Having taken all the available information into account
The three centres of excellence recommend the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine for patients with Behcets.
Why do we recommend the Pfizer vaccine?
The Pfizer vaccine is recommended as this is the only vaccine approved in the UK currently. Each vaccine will be judged independently when they become available.
What are the concerns about the vaccine?
We recognise that some concerns have been expressed in the media about the safety of the COVID virus vaccines.
Weighing up all the available evidence and comparing all legitimate concerns vs the risk posed by the virus, we do recommend the vaccine to all patients eligible.
There remains a theoretical concern that all vaccines might have reduced effectiveness in patients being treated with immunomodulatory medication, but this should not be a reason to avoid vaccination.
Does the vaccine contain animal ingredients?
There are no animal products in this vaccine and No animal-derived cells are used.
Is the vaccine safe?
The vaccine has been reviewed by the MHRA (Medicine and Health products Regulatory Agency) in the UK. This is an independent regulatory body which reviews any new products.
The review indicates that the vaccine is safe and that there are no serious adverse reactions.
What are the side effects?
Those which have been reported are the same for all vaccinations, mild fever but no reported major problems. Behcets patients will possibly have a large flare reaction at the site of the injection similar to that which may occur with other vaccines and a mild fever.
2 healthcare workers with a history of severe allergy requiring the use of an epipen, experienced severe allergic reactions and recovered. If you suffer from severe allergies or had a previous allergic reaction to any vaccinations, we would not recommend vaccination and that you discuss this with your doctor or specialist before you are vaccinated.
“For the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine In the pivotal phase 3 clinical trial, this vaccine was generally well tolerated with no serious safety concerns reported by the independent Data Monitoring Committee. The trial has enrolled over 44,000 participants to date, over 42,000 of whom have received a second vaccination.”
Can I be vaccinated when I am pregnant?
At present we would not recommend vaccination as not enough is known about the effect on pregnancy.
Will the vaccine stop the COVID19 pandemic?
The vaccine will play an important role in controlling the pandemic, but we still need to practice hand washing, wearing masks and social distancing.
Protection begins within 1 week of the second dose.
