Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Vaccine Rash Is Harmless, Doctors Say
USA Today: 'COVID Arm': Moderna Vaccine Rash A Harmless Side Effect, Doctors Say
An angry red rash being called “COVID arm” is a harmless but annoying response in some people who get the Moderna vaccine. Aside from sometimes being itchy, it doesn't appear to be dangerous and people who get it should not hesitate to get their second dose of the vaccine, doctors say. There is no indication the reaction is anything but a topical – and brief – response as the body’s immune system goes to work, said Dr. Esther Freeman, director of global health dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital. (Weise, 1/27)
And the World Health Organization updates its stance on pregnancy and the vaccine —
The Wall Street Journal: WHO Recommends Against Moderna, Pfizer Vaccines For Most Pregnant Women
The World Health Organization released new guidance about Moderna Inc.’s Covid-19 vaccine this week, recommending generally against the use of the vaccine during pregnancy except in those at high risk of exposure or having a severe case. “In the interim, WHO recommends not to use mRNA-1273 in pregnancy, unless the benefit of vaccinating a pregnant woman outweighs the potential vaccine risks, such as in health workers at high risk of exposure and pregnant women with co-morbidities placing them in a high-risk group for severe Covid-19,” the guidance said. The agency said its recommendations would be updated as more data become available. (Toy, 1/27)
