COVID-19 Vaccine Concerns for Young Adults with Health History

Vaccine issues

Hello Doctor,
I would like to inquire about COVID-19 vaccination.
I am 22 years old and in March of this year, I was diagnosed with some cysts in my breast (some of which have slight calcification) during a visit to a breast surgeon.
The doctor advised me to return for a follow-up examination in about six months to a year.
Additionally, I heard from my aunt that there is a family history of diabetes (although my father is unaware of this; my aunt mentioned that two relatives have diabetes), but I am not sure how to confirm this hereditary history.

I would like to ask if there are any vaccines that would be unsuitable for me.
Currently, I am considering choosing between AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Pfizer-BioNTech.
I have seen news reports about cases of thrombosis and other causes of death, which has made me a bit worried, so I wanted to consult with you.
Thank you very much!

Xiao Xin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/06

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, there are currently no specific contraindications for the vaccine for you.
It is recommended to complete the vaccination as soon as possible; any brand is a good choice.
Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2021/09/06

More Info

When considering COVID-19 vaccination, especially for young adults with specific health concerns, it's essential to evaluate individual health history, family medical history, and the current understanding of vaccine safety and efficacy. Based on your situation, here are some insights and recommendations.

Firstly, at 22 years old, you are in a demographic that generally responds well to vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines. The presence of breast cysts, particularly those with some calcification, should not be a contraindication for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. It’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider regarding your breast health, but vaccination will not interfere with your condition. The vaccines available, including AstraZeneca (AZ), Moderna, and Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT), have been shown to be safe and effective for individuals with various health backgrounds.

Regarding your family history of diabetes, while it is important to be aware of potential genetic predispositions to certain conditions, the current evidence suggests that having a family history of diabetes does not contraindicate COVID-19 vaccination. In fact, individuals with underlying health conditions, including diabetes, are at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, making vaccination even more critical for protection.

Concerns about vaccine safety, particularly regarding blood clots and other adverse events, are valid and widely discussed. However, it’s crucial to understand that the risk of severe complications from COVID-19 itself far outweighs the risks associated with vaccination. For instance, while there have been rare cases of blood clots associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine, the overall incidence is extremely low compared to the risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19, including hospitalization and death.

In terms of vaccine choice among AZ, Moderna, and BNT, all three vaccines have demonstrated strong efficacy in preventing COVID-19 and its complications. The mRNA vaccines (Moderna and BNT) have shown particularly high efficacy rates and a favorable safety profile. If you have specific concerns about the AZ vaccine due to the blood clot issue, you might consider opting for one of the mRNA vaccines instead.

It’s also worth noting that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities recommend that individuals stay up to date with their vaccinations, including booster doses as they become available. Given your age and health status, you should not delay vaccination. The benefits of vaccination in preventing COVID-19 and its potential complications far exceed the risks.

In summary, based on your health history and family background, there are no specific contraindications for you to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. You should feel confident in choosing either Moderna or BNT, as both have excellent safety profiles and efficacy. If you have further concerns, discussing them with your healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and reassurance. Vaccination is a crucial step in protecting not only your health but also the health of those around you.

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