By Mary Fete, M.S.N., R.N., C.C.M. and Elaine C. Siegfried, M.D.

We are all so grateful that we have a COVID-19 vaccine. Lots of you have questions about the vaccination process and whether or not individuals who are affected by ectodermal dysplasias should or should not get the vaccine.

You should discuss the vaccination with your primary care doctor and make an educated decision.

But, here are some important points for you to know.

Take-Home Points

All the vaccines were initially studied in adults. COVID vaccinations will not be available for children until the studies have been completed to support safety and effectiveness in this age group. These studies are just now beginning.

The completed Pfizer vaccine studies included adolescents down to age 12, so this one is available for adults and adolescents. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are only approved for adults over age 18.

Each state varies with regards to eligibility for access. But younger people, who are at lowest risk for severe COVID infection, will be last.

Allergies

The only contraindication to getting immunized is prior anaphylaxis (a sudden-onset, allergic reaction that causes breathing difficulty) to a vaccine ingredient, (e.g. PEG or polysorbate, ingredients used in other vaccines). You would likely remember having this type of reaction. Your medical records should have this information if you had such a reaction.

COVID vaccination is recommended (with routine monitoring for 30 minutes after injection) even for people with a history of other types of non-vaccine related anaphylaxis. People with other types of allergies should also get the vaccine. 

Several recent studies have shown no increase in COVID severity among people with allergies (featuring rhinitis, eczema and asthma).

This is really important information for our ectodermal dysplasias community.

COVID vaccination should be given no sooner than two months after symptoms have resolved in people who got COVID.

Additional Resources

You can refer to authoritative information:

Stay Safe and Informed About The Coronavirus

Also, keep checking our dedicated page to COVID-19 for the latest information and additional resources.

4 comments on “Know the Facts About the COVID-19 Vaccine”

  1. 1
    Shaun rathbun on March 27, 2021

    Hi,im 40 years old.. was diagnosed with hypo hydrotic ectodermal dysplasia when I was 14 months old..I got really high fevers 🤒 as a child. Also have really disfigured teeth..as I grew i was able to sweat more and more..ive had allergies testing, am allergic to cat dander..very mildly allergic to dairy and even more mildly to banana an molded cheese..im afraid of the fever from vaccination..like it would kill me or harm me..or wouldn’t go away..any thoughts??

    1. 2
      Kelley Atchison on March 29, 2021

      Hi, Shaun.
      The most important thing that you can do is to talk to your doctor about the vaccination to see if the benefits outweigh the risk of getting COVID 19. COVID vaccination is recommended (with routine monitoring for 30 minutes after injection) even for people with a history of other types of non-vaccine related anaphylaxis. People with other types of allergies should also get the vaccine. I encourage you to visit the links for additional information in the above blog. Please contact me with additional questions at Kelley@nfed.org.

  2. 3
    Tammy on August 15, 2021

    That’s why a guy in germany died from the shot by allergic reaction? And that was hours after. 30 min monitoring doesn’t do anything. Don’t get the shot people!

    1. 4
      Kelley Atchison on August 16, 2021

      The NFED recommends people follow the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control (CDC). It is also important for everyone to talk to their primary care physician so that they can make an informed, educated decision based on facts.

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