SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
CHILDREN
Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer) has only been provisionally approved for use in people aged 16 years or older, and cannot be given to younger people.
PREGNANCY & BREASTFEEDING
Pregnant women are not routinely recommended to have Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer), but can consider vaccination:
- If they are at higher risk of getting COVID-19, for example, due to their occupation.
- If they have risk factors for severe illness, for example, due to pre-existing medical conditions.
If you are pregnant, your usual GP can help you to assess the benefits and risks of vaccination.
If you are breastfeeding, you can have Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer). You do not need to stop breastfeeding after vaccination.
A Department of Health COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy is available here.
IMMUNOCOMPROMISE
Immunocompromised people include those who have a medical condition that weakens their immune system and those who may be taking medications that suppress their immune system.
It is strongly recommended that immunocompromised people receive COVID-19 vaccination due to their increased risk of severe illness with COVID-19.
Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer) is not a live vaccine. It is safe in people with immunocompromise. It is safe in people with immunocompromise. However, the immune response to vaccination may be reduced, which may result in lower vaccine effectiveness and protection compared with that in non-immunocompromised individuals. This emphasises the importance for immunocompromised people to continue other preventative measures after vaccination.
A Department of Health COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for people with immunocompromise is available here.
A HISTORY OF COVID-19
A history of COVID-19, may reduce the risk of reinfection for at least 6 months from the time of infection. If you have had COVID-19 in the past, discuss this with your usual GP prior to immunisation. You may advised to wait for up to six months after recovery before being vaccinated.