Information for people who have had their spleen removed or have serious problems with their spleen

Why is planning for a COVID-19 vaccine important?

  • It is very important that you are feeling well when you get your vaccine, so you should monitor how you are feeling in the days leading up to your vaccine appointment. If you are feeling sick, rebook for when you are feeling better.

Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine? Will the vaccine work for me?

  • All of the COVID-19 vaccines available in Canada are safe, and they do not contain any live virus. The vaccines cannot give you COVID-19.
  • Doctors and researchers have looked at the evidence. They agree that unless you have a very serious allergy to any of the vaccine ingredients, you should strongly consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine. This is because the spleen plays an important role in the immune system, so you have a higher chance of experiencing severe symptoms if you get COVID-19.
  • People who have had their spleen removed or who have problems with their spleen weren’t included in the clinical trials of the COVID-19 vaccine. We do not know exactly how much protection the vaccine will give people who have asplenia compared with people who don’t.
  • However, the way the vaccines work means that there is a strong chance that your immune system will learn to protect you, to some degree, from COVID-19.

What about the medications or treatments that I take?

  • There are not particular medications for asplenia that you have to worry about, but some people with asplenia take medications for other conditions.
  • If you take medications for another condition and you aren’t sure if you need to worry about timing, contact your health-care provider. Most medications are safe to take on the same day as your vaccine.

How else should I plan for my vaccine appointment?

  • Review COVID-19 Immunization Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador
  • In the 2-3 days leading up to your vaccine monitor yourself: are any of the typical symptoms of your condition new or getting worse? If you aren’t feeling well, rebook your vaccine appointment for another day. Consider reaching out to your health care provider about your worsening symptoms.
  • You can feel safe going to the COVID-19 vaccine clinic, as they are following all COVID-19 safety precautions.

What or who should I bring with me?

  • Please bring your non-expired MCP card to your appointment.
  • You can bring any medical or mobility equipment that you need.
  • If you need to, you can bring a trusted friend, family member or caregiver with you to support you through the process and/or translate for you as needed. Please only bring one person.

What happens after my vaccine?

  • Everyone who gets a COVID-19 vaccine will stay on location to be monitored for 15 minutes after they receive their vaccine.
  • If you have any new or worsening symptoms once you go home, please call your health care team or 8-1-1. If you have a severe allergic reaction, call 9-1-1 immediately.
  • Everyone will have to continue following COVID-19 public health measures, even after getting their vaccine.

My vaccine planning checklist

  • Read the COVID-19 vaccine information for my condition(s)
  • Time my vaccine appointment around my medication and treatments (if relevant to me)
  • Talk to my doctor if I have any questions or need any help planning my medication
  • Monitor how I’m feeling leading up to my vaccination appointment. Is anything new or getting worse compared to how I usually feel?
  • Make sure I am feeling my usual self on the day of my vaccine appointment
  • Plan to bring the medical and mobility equipment I need with me

April 23, 2021