With the Department of Health (DOH) still not releasing guidelines re vaccinations in the Philippines including of Filipinos living with HIV, eyes are turning – instead – to international bodies that already released recommendations for the same. One such body, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – released in end-2020 its “Vaccination Considerations for Persons with Underlying Medical Conditions”.
According to the CDC, “adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes Covid-19.” It added that “mRNA COVID-19 vaccines may be administered to people with underlying medical conditions provided they have not had a severe allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the vaccine.”
The CDC noted that PLHIVs were actually included in clinical trials, but “safety data specific to this group are not yet available at this time.” It saw fit to stress this point: “Information about the safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for people who have weakened immune systems in this group is not yet available.”
Nonetheless – and this is worth stressing – because “PLHIVs and those with weakened immune systems due to other illnesses or medication might be at increased risk for severe Covid-19… they may receive a Covid-19 vaccine.”
Aside from v=being aware of the potential for reduced immune responses to the vaccine, those with weakened immune systems (including PLHIVs) should continue following all current guidance to protect themselves against Covid-19.
- Wearing a mask
- Staying at least six feet away from others
- Avoiding crowds
- Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Following (CDC) travel guidance
- Following quarantine guidance after exposure to Covid-19
- Following any applicable workplace guidance
