GHIC COVID-19 VACCINE STATEMENT
Although there is no published safety data in APS patients currently, based on currently available evidence from the clinical trials and vaccination programme to date, GHIC supports APS patients receiving any of the currently licensed coronavirus vaccines, with restrictions for those with allergies with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine as stated below. APS patients include those receiving direct oral anticoagulant (apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban & rivaroxaban) or warfarin at therapeutic INR range or on full dose heparin or fondaparinux injections.
Government guidance suggests the following:
1) Any person with a history of immediate-onset anaphylaxis to a vaccine, medicine or food should not receive the Pfizer BioNtech vaccine.
2) A second dose of the Pfizer BioNtech vaccine should not be given to those who have experienced anaphylaxis to the first dose of Pfizer BioNtech vaccination.
APS patients on warfarin should aim to get their INR into range as far as is possible and all patients should continue to take coronavirus prevention precautions after receiving the first vaccine injection.
We always consult with experts but you should always consult your doctor, Rheumatologist or Haematologist for specific individual guidance and this statement should not be regarded as a replacement for personal medical advice. Your doctor or anticoagulation clinic should be able to help you make an informed decision about vaccines approved for use in APS patients. When more data becomes available, we will update our expert based recommendations accordingly.