Elderly individuals receiving the Moderna vaccine?
Hello, doctor.
I would like to inquire about my grandmother (70 years old) who has severe diabetes and respiratory diseases (currently requiring the use of an oxygen machine), and has a stent in her heart.
Is she suitable for receiving the Moderna vaccine? I am concerned about the potential side effect of myocarditis associated with Moderna and whether it would be appropriate for her to get vaccinated.
You, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/18
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the side effects of pericarditis mainly occur in young people and the elderly.
Currently, there are no reported cases worldwide.
As for your grandmother, it is advisable to have a physician evaluate whether there are any acute conditions, such as acute respiratory infections or acute heart failure, etc.
If there are acute illnesses, it is recommended to wait until the condition stabilizes before vaccination.
If the physician assesses that she only has chronic conditions and no acute illnesses, then she should be able to receive the vaccine.
Thank you for your inquiry.
Reply Date: 2021/07/18
More Info
When considering the safety of the Moderna vaccine for elderly individuals, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions such as severe diabetes, respiratory diseases, and a history of heart issues (like having a stent), it is crucial to weigh the benefits against the potential risks.
The Moderna vaccine, like other COVID-19 vaccines, has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19. For elderly individuals, especially those with underlying health conditions, the risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 is significantly higher compared to younger, healthier individuals. Therefore, vaccination is generally recommended to protect against these severe outcomes.
Regarding the specific concerns about side effects, including myocarditis and pericarditis (inflammation of the heart or the lining around the heart), these side effects have been primarily observed in younger populations, particularly males under 30 years of age. The incidence of these side effects in older adults, including those with pre-existing heart conditions, is much lower. Current data does not indicate a significant risk of myocarditis or pericarditis in older adults receiving the Moderna vaccine.
In the case of your grandmother, her severe diabetes and respiratory issues do place her at a higher risk for complications from COVID-19. The use of supplemental oxygen indicates that her respiratory function is compromised, which further elevates her risk profile. It is essential to consult with her healthcare provider to assess her overall health status, including any acute illnesses that may contraindicate vaccination at this time. If her chronic conditions are stable and she is not experiencing any acute exacerbations, she may be a suitable candidate for the vaccine.
Before vaccination, it is advisable for her healthcare provider to evaluate her current health status, including any recent changes in her diabetes management, respiratory function, and heart health. If her conditions are stable, the benefits of vaccination—namely, the protection against COVID-19—are likely to outweigh the risks associated with the vaccine.
In summary, while there are concerns regarding side effects, the overall recommendation for elderly individuals with chronic health conditions is to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, including the Moderna vaccine, unless there are specific contraindications. It is essential to have a thorough discussion with her healthcare provider to make an informed decision based on her individual health circumstances. Vaccination can significantly reduce her risk of severe illness from COVID-19, which is particularly important given her existing health challenges.
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