VIDEO: COVID-19 Q&A with Dr. Divya Patel

This is a recording from FSR’s COVID-19 Q&A with Dr. Divya Patel on December 10, 2020. Topics covered include how COVID-19 may affect sarcoidosis patients, the new vaccines*, and holiday safety.

*Please see below for a note from Dr. Divya Patel as a followup to the webinar’s discussion about the vaccine trials, in addition to links referenced in the recording. 

Referenced Links

Moderate or Severe Impairment in Pulmonary Function is Associated with Mortality in Sarcoidosis Patients Infected with SARS‑CoV‑2

Pfizer- BioNTec SE vaccine study – immunocompromised patients were excluded but they don’t specify which conditions.

Moderna Vaccine: – immunocompromised patients were excluded. 

Note from Dr. Patel regarding the vaccine trials:

Dear viewer,

Since this session was recorded on December 10, 2020, an article was published in the New England Journal Of Medicine detailing the Pfizer-BioNTech SE vaccine safety and efficacy clinical trial (https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2034577?query=featured_home).

This publication details the types of patients which were included and excluded from the trial (in the supplementary documents section and also on https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04368728). Unfortunately, the study specifically excluded people who are immunocompromised, those with autoimmune conditions, and patients on immunosuppressive therapy. This means that the safety and efficacy of the vaccine has not been tested in this population. However, the fact that these patients were excluded does not mean that patients who are immunocompromised or taking immunosuppressive medications cannot or should not take the vaccine. In fact, it seems that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will likely prioritize vaccination in this population. However, if you are on immunosuppressive medication, it is possible that the vaccine may not be as effective (just like with other vaccines).

I urge you to look for forthcoming guidance from the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html) and to also talk to your doctor. In the meantime, please continue to protect your selves by wearing masks and socially distancing yourself.

Divya C. Patel