Read the BSH position statement on the roll out of COVID-19 vaccinations
The BSH has recently released a statement regarding COVID-19 vaccinations.
The statement advises:
‘Two COVID-19 vaccines are now being used in the UK. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine was rolled out on 8th December 2020 and the AstraZeneca/Oxford University vaccine was rolled out on the 4th January 2021.
‘Both vaccines have been thoroughly tested in clinical trials. Both vaccines have met the strictest standards of safety, quality and effectiveness set out by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Millions of patients have now received COVID-19 vaccines worldwide and reports of serious adverse effects are very rare.
‘Heart failure specialists can and should reassure their patients that the vaccines are safe and effective.
‘The only group currently advised not to take the vaccine are people with a history of life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine. Pregnant women who are classed
as clinically extremely vulnerable can be considered for the COVID-19 vaccine. This decision should be made on an individual basis and with input from their maternity team. ‘
It goes on to say:
‘The Moderna vaccine was approved in the UK on 8th January 2021 and will become available in the coming months. Other vaccines are in development and maybe approved in the coming months. All COVID-19 vaccines will be subject to the same strict MHRA standards.’
The BSH recommends:
People with heart failure are at increased risk of severe COVID-19. The British Society for Heart Failure strongly recommends that all those eligible accept vaccination, if offered.
Patients and healthcare professionals should continue to follow government advice to reduce their risk of infection.
Patients should be reassured that heart failure services are open and they should seek help when it is needed.
References:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/
