COVID-19 VACCINES AND - EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA (EB) - International - Alligatura
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International.
COVID-19 VACCINES
AND
EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA
(EB)
INTRODUCTION
There are now a number of COVID-19 vaccines that have been approved
for use. Arguably, the three most well-known and widely available
vaccines at the moment are the Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA vaccine, the
Oxford/AstraZeneca adenovirus vector vaccine, and the Moderna mRNA
vaccine. A number of other COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for
use in some countries and there are over 230 more in development.
Whilst the roll-out of these vaccines is certainly a positive and welcomed
development, there are questions and concerns about whether vaccination
against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) is safe for people
living with hereditary EB and whether they should be prioritised to
receive it. Widespread misinformation online about the COVID-19
vaccines and vaccines in general can also cause additional worry.
We have put together the following general and EB-specific information
on vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 to address some of the concerns
you may have. All information has been derived from reputable sources
and been reviewed by EB clinical experts. It is important to note that
we are learning more about both COVID-19 itself and the different
vaccines that are being developed all the time. We will endeavour to
provide updates on this page as and when new information is released.
If you have any questions or concerns about vaccination, consult your healthcare
provider and/or EB healthcare team.
EB AND THE COVID-19 VACCINE 04
COVID-19 VACCINES 06
VACCINES IN GENERAL 10
COVID-19 VACCINES AND EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA (EB) DEBRA INTERNATIONAL 3
EB and the
EB AND THE COVID-19 VACCINE
COVID-19 vaccine
The following information relates to those with a form of hereditary EB (EB simplex, dystrophic EB, junctional EB,
Kindler EB) and to known data of the Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA vaccine, the Oxford/AstraZeneca adenovirus vector
vaccine, and the Moderna mRNA vaccine.
I have EB...
… is it safe for me to be vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. There is no evidence to suggest that people with hereditary EB should avoid getting vaccinated.
However, if you have a known allergy to any of the components in a particular COVID-19 vaccine,
consult your healthcare provider and an allergist/immunologist before receiving the COVID-19
vaccine in question.
… should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. Vaccination to help prevent the spread of a disease-causing virus is essential for the global
population, including people with EB. Vaccination is strongly recommended for patients with all
types of EB, particularly those with severe mucocutaneous fragility and systemic complications,
such as malnutrition and cardiomyopathy, among others. If you have any questions or concerns
about being vaccinated, consult your healthcare provider and/or EB healthcare team.
… will I be prioritised for vaccination?
This will depend on where you live as each country will have its own plan for deciding the order in
which people are vaccinated. If you have any questions or concerns regarding when you are likely
to receive your COVID-19 vaccine, consult your healthcare provider/EB healthcare team.
… and I am enrolled in a gene therapy clinical trial, can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Anyone with EB currently participating in a gene therapy clinical trial should contact the trial provider
for confirmation before receiving the vaccine.
… and I am over 65, am I allowed to get the vaccine?
Adults with EB are recommended to be vaccinated regardless of their age. Every country is managing
their vaccination programmes in different ways, some of which limit the types of vaccines allowed
for different age groups.
My child has EB…
… when can my child be vaccinated?
None of the COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for children (those under the age of 16 for
the Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA vaccine and those under the age of 18 for the Oxford/AstraZeneca
adenovirus vector vaccine and the Moderna mRNA vaccine). It is uncertain whether or when the
vaccines may be approved for children. In February 2021, Oxford University extended its COVID-19
vaccine study to children to assess if children and young adults aged 6-17 years make a good
immune response with the vaccine. However, the study has since been put on hold pending further
information about rare blood-clotting issues in adults who have received the vaccine.
COVID-19 VACCINES AND EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA (EB) DEBRA INTERNATIONAL 5
COVID-19
COVID-19 VACCINES
vaccines
The following information relates to known data of the Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA vaccine, the Oxford/AstraZeneca
adenovirus vector vaccine, and the Moderna mRNA vaccine.
How do the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines work?
mRNA vaccines teach the body’s cells how to make a (piece of a) protein that triggers an immune
response inside the body. The mRNA vaccine gives instructions for our cells to make a harmless
piece of the “spike protein” that is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. Once
the protein piece is made, the cell breaks down the instructions and gets rid of them. If someone
is subsequently exposed to COVID-19, their body’s immune system recognises the spike protein
on the surface of the virus and makes antibodies that destroy SARS-CoV-2 therefore protecting the
person from developing the disease.
How does the COVID-19 adenovirus vector vaccine work?
Like an mRNA vaccine, the adenovirus vector vaccine delivers instructions to the body’s cells to
create a harmless piece of the “spike protein” that is found on the surface of the virus that causes
COVID-19 in order to trigger an immune response. Unlike the mRNA vaccine, the instructions are
delivered using a virus (the vector) that we know is harmless.
Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe?
Yes, the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. They have been evaluated in tens of thousands
of participants in clinical trials and have now been given safely to tens of millions of people across
the world.
Which is the best vaccine to have?
In this case, “any vaccine is a good vaccine.” All three vaccines have been shown to be safe and
to work well at preventing disease from the virus. Each country has its own regulators that decide
which vaccines are approved for use. It is unlikely that you will be able to choose which vaccine you
have so it is important to have the vaccine you are offered.
What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines?
Common side effects include pain and/or swelling from the injection site and a fever, chills, tiredness,
and/or a headache. These are normal signs that your immune system is responding to the vaccine.
If any side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days, contact your
healthcare provider.
Should I be worried about having an allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccines?
A very small number of people have had a severe allergic reaction (called “anaphylaxis”) after
vaccination, but this is extremely rare. If this does occur, vaccination providers will have medicines
available to effectively and immediately treat the reaction. Unless you have had an allergic response
to vaccines in the past, you should not be worried about this with a COVID-19 vaccine. If you have
a known allergy to any of the components in a particular COVID-19 vaccine, consult your healthcare
provider and an allergist/immunologist before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine in question.
COVID-19 VACCINES AND EB DEBRA INTERNATIONAL 7
COVID-19 VACCINES
MYTHS VS FACTS
Should I be worried about getting blood clots if I receive the Oxford/AstraZeneca adenovirus ABOUT COVID-19 VACCINES
vector vaccine?
According to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), unusual blood clots with low blood platelets
are very rare side effects of the vaccine. The overall benefits of the vaccine in preventing COVID-19
outweigh the risks of side effects. Anyone who receives the vaccine should seek medical assistance
MYTH MYTH MYTH
immediately if they develop symptoms of this combination of blood clots and low blood platelets: The COVID-19 vaccine The COVID-19 vaccine The COVID-19 vaccine
ࠚ shortness of breath can affect women’s enters your cells and was developed with or
ࠚ chest pain fertility. changes your DNA. contains controversial
ࠚ swelling in your leg substances.
ࠚ persistent abdominal (belly) pain
ࠚ neurological symptoms, including severe and persistent headaches or blurred vision
ࠚ tiny blood spots under the skin beyond the site of injection
Can a COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with COVID-19? The COVID-19 vaccines The COVID-19 vaccines The COVID-19 vaccines
No. None of the three vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19, which means that a will not affect fertility. A do not affect or interact were not developed
COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with the virus. It is possible, however, to have caught false report on social with your DNA in any using foetal tissue and
COVID-19 and not realise you have the symptoms until after your vaccination appointment. media said that the spike way. The mRNA vaccine they do not contain
protein on the SARS- never enters the nucleus any material, such as
CoV-2 virus was the of the cell where DNA implants, microchips, or
Will I be immediately protected from COVID-19 after my first vaccination? same as another called is kept and the genetic tracking devices.
It may take up to a couple of weeks for your body to build up some protection from the first dose syncitin-1 involved in the material delivered by
of the vaccine. Like all medicines, no vaccine is 100% effective so you should continue to take growth and attachment the viral vector vaccine
recommended precautions to protect yourself from catching COVID-19 and to prevent spreading of the placenta during does not integrate into a
it to others. Some people may still get the virus despite having a vaccination, but the symptoms pregnancy. person’s DNA.
should be less severe.
FACT FACT FACT
If I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get vaccinated with a COVID-19
vaccine?
Yes. You should be vaccinated regardless of whether you have already had COVID-19 as experts
MYTH
do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from the
Researchers rushed the development of the COVID-19 vaccine so its effectiveness and safety
disease. If you have had a positive COVID-19 test, you are advised to wait 28 days before receiving
cannot be trusted.
the COVID-19 vaccine.
Do the COVID-19 vaccines contain pork or other animal products?
No. None of the COVID-19 vaccines contain any products derived from animals.
The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and there are many reasons why they could be
developed so quickly, including:
Will the COVID-19 vaccine become a yearly injection like the flu vaccine? ࠚ The method used to create the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines has been in development
The need for regular booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine is not yet recommended because the
for years so the companies could start the vaccine development process early in the pandemic. mRNA is
need for, and timing of, such boosters has not yet been determined.
also a faster approach than traditional methods of vaccine creation.
ࠚ China quickly shared genetic information about COVID-19 so researchers could start work on vaccines.
Where can I find reputable sources of information about the COVID-19 vaccines? ࠚ No steps were skipped during testing of the vaccines but some overlapped to gather data more quickly.
Consult your national government and/or health authority for information on COVID-19 vaccines ࠚ Vaccine projects had plenty of resources: governments invested in research and/or paid for vaccines in
approved in your country. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your healthcare provider advance. Social media helped to recruit study volunteers willing to help with COVID-19 vaccine research.
and/or EB healthcare team. ࠚ Companies began making vaccine early on so supplies were ready to ship when approvals happened.
FACT
8 DEBRA INTERNATIONAL COVID-19 VACCINES AND EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA (EB)
Vaccines in
VACCINES IN GENERAL
general What is a vaccine?
A vaccine is a type of medicine that trains the body’s immune system to fight a disease it has not
come into contact with before. Vaccines are designed to prevent rather than treat a disease. It is
much safer for your immune system to be trained through vaccination rather than by catching a
disease and learning how to treat it itself.
How do vaccines work?
There are different types of vaccines that work in different ways to offer protection. With all types of
vaccines, the body is left with a supply of “memory” defensive white blood cells called T-lymphocytes
and B-lymphocytes that will remember how to fight a particular disease in the future.
Why are vaccines important?
Vaccination is the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves against ill health. Vaccines
prevent up to 3 million deaths worldwide every year. If people stop having vaccines, it is possible
for infectious diseases to quickly spread again.
What is herd immunity?
When a high percentage of a population is vaccinated, it is difficult for infectious diseases to spread
because there are not many people who can be infected. This offers a greater level of protection for
people who are unable to be vaccinated because of illness or a weakened immune system.
What is in a vaccine?
The main ingredient of any vaccine is a small amount of bacteria, virus, or toxin that has been
weakened or destroyed in a laboratory first. This means that there is no risk of catching a disease
from a vaccine. Vaccines sometimes contain other ingredients that make the vaccine safe and more
effective.
What are the side effects and why do they happen?
Most side effects from a vaccine are mild and not long lasting. Serious side effects from a vaccine
are extremely rare. Common side effects are from the injection site including soreness/pain,
redness, and/or swelling. Other side effects experienced, such as headaches or fever are a sign of
the immune system responding to the vaccine.
What happens if I have an allergic reaction to a vaccine?
It is rare for anyone to have a serious allergic reaction to a vaccine. If this does happen, it usually
happens within minutes and the person vaccinating will be trained to deal with and treat the allergic
reaction immediately.
COVID-19 VACCINES AND EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA (EB) DEBRA INTERNATIONAL 11VACCINES IN GENERAL REFERENCES & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
American Society of Gene + Cell Therapy 2021, accessed 10 March 2021, https://patienteducation.asgct.org/gene-therapy-101/
mrna-vaccines-for-covid19
Anaphylaxis Campaign 2021, accessed 10 March 2021, https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/covid-19-advice/pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-
and-allergies/
AstraZeneca 2020, accessed 10 March 2021, https://www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-releases/2020/azd1222-oxford-
phase-iii-trials-interim-analysis-results-published-in-the-lancet.html
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ema-finds-possible-link-very-rare-cases-unusual-blood-clots-low-blood
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protect those vaccinated from many serious and potentially deadly diseases
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coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines-myth-versus-fact
protect other people by helping to stop diseases from spreading to those who cannot
Full Fact 2021, accessed 10 March 2021, https://fullfact.org/health/there-isnt-pork-in-covid-19-vaccines/
have vaccines
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sites/52/2021/01/Information_for_UK_recipients_COVID-19_Vaccine_AstraZeneca.pdf
undergo rigorous safety and efficiency testing in clinical trials before being administered
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to the wider population
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sometimes cause mild side effects but these do not usually last long. Vaccines may
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vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/
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reduce or even eliminate some diseases if enough people are vaccinated
side-effects-of-the-coronavirus-vaccines
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covid-19-vaccine/
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https://vk.ovg.ox.ac.uk/vk/herd-immunity
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government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/951769/PHE_COVID-19_vaccination_guide_what_to_expect_after_
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https://www.ovg.ox.ac.uk/news/oxford-university-extends-covid-19-vaccine-study-to-children
vaccines.gov 2021, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, accessed 10 March 2021, https://www.vaccines.gov/basics/
safety/side_effects
World Health Organization, accessed 10 March 2021, https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-
19-vaccines
We thank the adult epidermolysis bullosa (EB) team at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation
Trust, UK for reviewing the content in this booklet.
12 DEBRA INTERNATIONAL COVID-19 VACCINES AND EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA (EB) COVID-19 VACCINES AND EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA (EB) DEBRA INTERNATIONAL 13International.
For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccines and EB visit:
www.debra-international.org
V. 2021/02 | Publication date 13 April 2021You can also read
