Both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines have received FDA emergency use authorization (EUA).

Early results from trials show the COVID-19 vaccine has worked as it is supposed to with no serious side effects. The FDA advises manufacturers that at least 3,000 participants are required to assess safety. The current Phase 3 of trials of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine have included 44,000 participants, and there were 30,000 participants in the Moderna vaccine trial. These results include more than 2-3 months of follow-up of individuals involved in the vaccine trials.

Both COVID-19 vaccines are approved for LTCF residents. In the trials, elderly people had good clinical response, just like the younger age group.

Traditionally it takes years to develop a vaccine. However, once the genetic code of the virus was known, scientists used mRNA technology to develop a vaccine. The FDA and manufacturers conducted multiple regulatory tasks simultaneously to cut down the time to develop the COVID-19 vaccine as the pandemic rages on.

People with severe allergies to any components of vaccines are advised not to take the vaccine at this time. People with severe reactions to any other vaccine, oral or injectable meds, food, latex, etc. should talk with their doctor and if they get the vaccine should be monitored for 30 minutes after.

Unfortunately, there is very limited information regarding the COVID-19 vaccination and people with cancer. Visit our cancer page for links to the most up-to-date information from our Genesis oncology team.