Medicare Agent News: Myeloma and the COVID-19 Vaccine: What We Know

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Myeloma and the COVID-19 Vaccine: What We Know

Posted on December 14, 2020 by MyMyelomaTeam Article written by Kelly Crumrin

On Friday, December 11, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of the first vaccine for the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Several other vaccine candidates are currently being developed and tested, and multiple vaccines may become available in the weeks and months ahead. MyMyelomaTeam will reach out to specialists in the days to come to find out what this means for people with multiple myeloma, smoldering myeloma, or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).

What MyMyelomaTeam Members Are Saying About COVID-19 Vaccines

Members of MyMyelomaTeam share a variety of viewpoints regarding a COVID-19 vaccine.

“I’m a believer in vaccines. They give fast immunity. I just hope they work with low immunoglobulins,” wrote one member. Others expressed more caution. “I usually wait until it’s been out two years, but I think I will look at risks and take this one sooner,” said another.

Your doctor knows all the details of your myeloma, the treatments you take, and other aspects of your health history. This makes them the best source for guidance as you weigh the benefits and risks associated with the vaccine.

Many MyMyelomaTeam members are already talking to their doctors about COVID-19 vaccines. “Have to do a lot of reading before I decide, plus I want to get my oncologists’ opinion too,” shared one member. Another stated, “If you have any questions about interactions, you should call your oncologist or general practitioner.”

What Is Known About COVID-19 Vaccines?

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is reviewing clinical trial data on the COVID-19 vaccine to determine whether to recommend it and, if so, who should take it. The ACIP will consider factors like age, underlying medical conditions, race, and ethnicity. With vaccines on the way, people living with myeloma will need accurate information to make decisions about being vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Here is what is known so far:

· Most COVID-19 vaccines in development require two doses given 21 or 28 days apart. The first approved vaccine, manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech, requires a second dose 21 days after the first.

· Side effects, which may be worse after the second dose, have been mostly mild or moderate. These include fatigue, muscle and joint soreness, and pain at the injection site.

· Vaccines are being tested in thousands of volunteers to prove their safety and effectiveness before gaining approval.

· Additional safety systems are being put into place to continue monitoring for side effects as vaccines enter public use.

· Vaccine doses will be free for American citizens, but some health care providers may charge for administering them.

· The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend health care personnel and residents at long-term care facilities receive access to vaccines first.

· If supplies are limited, older adults and people with specific underlying medical conditions will be considered for early access.

· The federal government is developing a centralized system to distribute and track COVID-19 vaccines.

What Do People With Myeloma Need To Find Out?

MyMyelomaTeam knows there are many questions that remain unanswered. We will be reaching out to myeloma specialists to find out the following:

· Will COVID-19 vaccines be safe for people with myeloma?

· If there are multiple types of COVID-19 vaccines, will they all be equally safe and effective?

· Will the vaccines be safe and effective for those receiving chemotherapy or other medications for myeloma?

· Will people with myeloma be given priority for vaccinations?

· What is the earliest you could get access to a vaccine?

· Is there any benefit to waiting until later to get a vaccine?

Over the weeks to come, MyMyelomaTeam will provide updates as we learn more about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines for people with myeloma, including those receiving chemo or taking medication.

MyMyelomaTeam members discuss their hopes and concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccines. Here is a recent conversation:

· “I am not sure I want the COVID vaccine. Do you plan to take it?”