Can Patients with Facial Nerve Paralysis Receive the BNT Vaccine?

Facial nerve paralysis

Hello Dr.
Jiang, I would like to ask if a patient with facial nerve paralysis can receive the first dose of the BNT vaccine at this time.
The BNT vaccine has a rare side effect of facial nerve paralysis, which may make it difficult to differentiate.
It has been 2.5 weeks since the onset of the facial nerve paralysis, and the condition of the eyes and mouth is gradually improving.
How long should we wait before getting vaccinated? Thank you.

Xiao Lin, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/21

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Mr.
Hsiao-Lin,
Facial nerve paralysis is not a contraindication for receiving the BNT vaccine.
It is advised not to administer the vaccine within two weeks of an acute infection.
Based on the current domestic epidemic situation, vaccination can be considered one month after the condition stabilizes.
It is recommended to stay well-hydrated and rest adequately.
If you experience persistent fever or other discomfort, please seek medical attention and inform your physician of your symptoms, the timing of their onset, and the date of vaccination.
You may also consider preparing some single-ingredient acetaminophen (to avoid combination products) for use if you feel unwell.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions further!
Wishing you good health and peace,
Dr.
Chien-Yi Jiang
Peach Medical Center

Reply Date: 2021/10/21

More Info

Patients with facial nerve paralysis can indeed receive the BNT vaccine, which is the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. According to current medical guidelines, facial nerve paralysis is not considered a contraindication for vaccination. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.

Firstly, it is crucial to assess the timing of vaccination in relation to the onset of facial nerve paralysis. In general, if a patient has experienced an acute illness or neurological condition, it is advisable to wait until the condition stabilizes before receiving a vaccine. In this specific case, since the patient has been experiencing facial nerve paralysis for 2.5 weeks and is showing signs of recovery, it may be appropriate to consider vaccination. The recommendation is to wait until the condition has stabilized for at least one month before proceeding with the vaccine. This allows for a clearer assessment of any potential side effects that may arise from the vaccine, as well as ensuring that the patient is in a better state of health.

It is also important to note that while there have been rare reports of facial nerve paralysis following vaccination, the incidence is extremely low. The benefits of vaccination, particularly in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, generally outweigh the risks. Vaccination is crucial for preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions or those who may be more vulnerable.

In terms of managing the current condition of facial nerve paralysis, supportive measures such as hydration, rest, and possibly the use of vitamin B supplements can aid in recovery. It is also advisable for the patient to maintain regular follow-ups with their healthcare provider to monitor progress and address any concerns that may arise.

In summary, patients with facial nerve paralysis can receive the BNT vaccine, but it is recommended to wait until the condition has stabilized for at least one month. This approach helps ensure that any potential side effects from the vaccine can be accurately assessed and managed. As always, it is essential for patients to consult with their healthcare provider to make informed decisions based on their individual health status and circumstances.

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There seems to be an issue with your information. Since the patient is already paralyzed, using medication to block it would only exacerbate the situation, wouldn't it? I have serious doubts about this, and I suggest you ask for clarification carefully.

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