Information for people with thalassemia

Why is planning for a COVID-19 vaccine important?

It is very important that you monitor how you are feeling in the days leading up to your vaccine appointment. If you do not feel well, you can rebook for when you are feeling better.
If you have received gene therapy, you should discuss the right time to schedule your vaccine appointment with your health-care provider.

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 because some people with thalassemia have a higher chance of experiencing severe symptoms from COVID-19. This is particularly the case if you are over 50 years old, have had a splenectomy, have a high iron overload, or have another condition like diabetes alongside your thalassemia.
People with thalassemia weren’t included in the clinical trials of the COVID-19 vaccines.
We do not know exactly how much protection the vaccine will give people with thalassemia compared with people who don’t have thalassemia.
However, the way the vaccines work means that there is a strong chance that your immune system will learn to protect you, to some extent, from COVID-19.

For most people with thalassemia, there is nothing specific that you need to consider about timing your vaccine with the medications or treatments you take.
One exception to this is if you have been treated with or are being treated with gene therapy. If this applies to you, speak with your thalassemia health-care provider to make a plan. Experts say that it is ideal to complete both doses of your vaccine at least two weeks before your gene therapy treatment or three months after your gene therapy treatment.
If you take medications for another condition and you aren’t sure if you need to worry about timing, contact your health-care provider.

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. You won’t lose your place in line. Consider reaching out to your health care provider about your worsening symptoms.
You can feel safe going to a COVID-19 vaccination location, as they are following all COVID-19 safety precautions.

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.

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.

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