Recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines (NACI)

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) is an External Advisory Body that provides the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) with independent, ongoing and timely medical, scientific, and public health advice in response to questions from PHAC relating to immunization.”

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines.html

Immunosuppressed persons

4. NACI recommends that COVID-19 vaccine should not be routinely offered to individuals who are immunosuppressed due to disease or treatment until further evidence is available (Strong NACI Recommendation). However, a complete series with a COVID-19 vaccine may be offered to individuals in the authorized age group in this population if a risk assessment deems that the benefits outweigh the potential risks for the individual, and if informed consent includes discussion about the absence of evidence on the use of COVID-19 vaccine in this population. (Discretionary NACI Recommendation)

Summary of evidence and rationale:

  • Currently, there is limited evidence that immunosuppression is an independent risk factor for severe COVID-19, though evidence is evolving.
  • Currently, there are no data on COVID-19 vaccination in individuals who are immunosuppressed. Participants in the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials only included individuals who were not immunosuppressed, such as those with stable infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and those not receiving immunosuppressive therapy during the trial.
  • No safety signals of concern have been noted to date in non-immunosuppressed participants with an immunocompromising condition (e.g., stable HIV infection) included in the clinical trials.
  • The relative degree of immunodeficiency in individuals who are immunocompromised is variable depending on the underlying condition, the progression of disease and use of medications that suppress immune function. Therefore, the balance of benefits and risks must be made on a case-by-case basis.
  • Immunocompromised persons, including individuals receiving immunosuppressant therapy, may have a diminished immune response to the vaccine.
  • In general, non-replicating vaccines may be administered to immunocompromised people because the antigens in the vaccine cannot replicate. However, the magnitude and duration of vaccine-induced immunity are often reduced. It is currently unknown whether immunocompromised individuals will be able to mount an immune response to mRNA vaccines.
  • People living with HIV that are considered immunocompetent may be vaccinated.
  • Active surveillance in these vaccine recipients is strongly encouraged. NACI will monitor the evidence as it evolves and update recommendations as needed.

Refer to Immunization of Immunocompromised Persons in the CIG, Part 3 – Vaccination of Specific Populations for definitions and general additional information.

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