FAQs Regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine A Message from the AHCDC
The evidence regarding COVID-19 is evolving rapidly. This document was prepared on January 11, 2021 in consultation with experts in infectious disease, and allergy & immunology. The following statements may be subject to change.
Please contact your local health care provider and refer to local public health guidance for up-to-date information.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for someone with a bleeding disorder?
Yes, it is safe for people with bleeding disorders to receive the vaccine. Please let your health care provider know that you have a bleeding disorder prior to the injection. Encourage your health care to use a smaller gauge needle, if possible, and to apply 10 minutes of pressure after the injection. If you are on prophylaxis with factor concentrate, you should time your prophylaxis with the day of your vaccine injection. If you treat on-demand but have a history of severe bleeding, you may need a treatment with factor concentrate before the vaccine injection. Please contact your bleeding disorder team.
Will the COVID-19 vaccine affect my candidacy for future hemophilia gene therapy?
No, the COVID-19 vaccine technology is very different from gene therapy and should not affect your eligibility.
Does my bleeding disorder treatment increase my risk of allergic reactions?
People with a history of severe allergic reactions to PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PEG- containing medicines (e.g. Adynovate, Jivi, Rebinyn) should speak with their health care provider to determine which vaccine is most appropriate. Such allergic reactions are very rare. For more allergy-related information, visit: https://foodallergycanada.ca/campaign/covid-19-and-food-allergy/.
Do immune suppressive medicines and/or immune tolerance induction therapy decrease the effectiveness of the vaccine?
Immune suppressive medicines (e.g. anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, corticosteroids) may interfere with the effectiveness of any vaccine. Immune tolerance induction therapy should not interfere with vaccine effectiveness. People on immune tolerance induction therapy and on immune suppressive medicines can still receive the vaccine.
Disclaimer: Hemophilia Ontario and The AHCDC assumes no responsibility or liability arising from any error or omission or from the use of any information contained herein. You must not rely on the information in this document as an alternative to medical advice from your health care provider.
