Connect Issues Spring 2021

PAB STATEMENT COVID-19 VACCINE The Professional Advisory While there are still many open questions about the allergic reactions reported with the COVID vaccine,

Board of The Marfan Foundation recommends that all approved groups get vaccinated for COVID-19. The position of the Professional Advisory Board is that the potential benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh potential risks for individuals with Marfan syndrome and related conditions.

as per current guidance, people with a history of anaphylaxis (not due to vaccines or injectable medications) can still receive the vaccine but should be monitored for 30 minutes after being vaccinated. For people with a history of a severe allergic reaction to any vaccine or injectable therapy, consultation with an allergist would be prudent. The antibodies produced by the vaccine will not interact with commonly prescribed blood pressure medications, including beta blockers, ARBs, and ACE inhibitors. Please visit Marfan.org/COVID19 to access our latest Q & A video on the COVID-19 vaccines, featuring Dr. Kim Eagle, University of Michigan, and our recent webinar where Dr. Eagle and Dr. Enid Neptune, Johns Hopkins, presented the latest research on COVID-19 that is relevant for our community. Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith,of Yale, who is Senior Advisor to the White House COVID Response Team and mom to a young daughter with Marfan, also provided her perspective. As always, please refer to the latest CDC guidelines and the COVID-10 guidelines in your local area.

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Spring 2021