High-Risk Classification for Patients with Bean Disease

Lentil syndrome is classified as a high-risk group?

Hello: My son has thalassemia.
His appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine has been classified as a high-risk group category 9.
Could you please clarify whether thalassemia is considered a high-risk condition that can lead to severe illness, or if it falls under rare diseases and major illnesses? Thank you for your response.

Chen Hsieh-Chih, 60~69 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/20

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, the classification of vaccination priority is not within my area of expertise.
However, I would like to remind the public to proactively inform their physicians about G6PD deficiency (favism) when seeking medical care.
This is important to avoid prescribing certain medications that may not be suitable for individuals with G6PD deficiency.
This genetic condition is not a major illness; it simply requires avoiding exposure to or the use of certain chemicals and medications, and it does not affect general daily life or health.
Regarding G6PD deficiency, currently, there are no contraindications for receiving any brand of vaccine.
Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2021/07/20

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your question regarding your son's condition of G6PD deficiency, commonly referred to as "favism" or "bean disease," and its classification as a high-risk condition for COVID-19 vaccination.

G6PD deficiency is indeed a genetic disorder that affects the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, which plays a crucial role in the red blood cells' ability to handle oxidative stress. Individuals with this deficiency can experience hemolytic anemia when exposed to certain triggers, such as specific medications, infections, or certain foods, particularly fava beans. While G6PD deficiency is classified as a rare genetic disorder, it is not typically categorized as a high-risk condition for severe illness from COVID-19 in the same way that other chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, are.

The classification of high-risk groups for COVID-19 vaccination often includes individuals with underlying health conditions that significantly increase their risk of severe illness or complications from the virus. These conditions generally include chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and immunocompromised states. G6PD deficiency, while it can lead to complications under certain circumstances, does not inherently increase the risk of severe COVID-19 illness in the same manner as these other conditions.

Regarding the vaccination process, it is essential to communicate your son's G6PD deficiency to the healthcare provider administering the vaccine. While there are no specific contraindications for COVID-19 vaccines in individuals with G6PD deficiency, it is always prudent to ensure that the healthcare team is aware of any medical conditions that could influence treatment decisions.

In terms of the severity of G6PD deficiency, it is classified into different types based on the level of enzyme activity. The severity can vary significantly among individuals, and it is typically assessed through blood tests that measure enzyme levels. If your son has a low enzyme activity level, it may indicate a more severe form of the deficiency, which could necessitate more stringent precautions regarding exposure to oxidative stressors.

To summarize, while G6PD deficiency is a significant condition that requires careful management, it does not typically fall into the category of high-risk diseases for severe COVID-19 illness. It is crucial to maintain open communication with healthcare providers regarding this condition, especially when considering vaccinations or treatments. If you have further concerns about your son's health or the implications of his G6PD deficiency, I recommend consulting with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on his specific situation.

In conclusion, while G6PD deficiency is a rare and important condition to manage, it does not classify as a high-risk condition for COVID-19 vaccination in the same way as other chronic diseases. Ensuring that healthcare providers are informed about this condition will help facilitate safe and effective care for your son.

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