Find out if the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for you if you’re living an HIV positive life.
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised many questions about public and personal health. One major question stands out for those who are living with HIV: Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe to take? In short, the answer is yes.
COVID-19 has changed the way most people think about health, but for those who are living with HIV some of the health and safety measures that came out of the pandemic were steps they already took on a regular basis.
Every day, we’re learning more about COVID-19 – including its impact on those with HIV and new strains of the virus. If you’re living with HIV, here’s a rundown of everything you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine:
- On August 23, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. This means the vaccine has met the FDA’s standards and is completely safe for the public to get.
- Those who are HIV-positive and at least 12 years old can now get vaccinated.
- People with HIV should get vaccinated against COVID-19 no matter what their viral load is.
- COVID-19 vaccines won’t impact HIV treatment and/or medications such as antiretroviral therapy (ART) or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
- HIV treatment (ART) cannot be used to treat COVID-19.
- Those with HIV or weakened immune systems who are vaccinated should continue taking their HIV treatment and COVID-19 precautions, such as: Wearing a fitted mask, social distancing, hand washing, and monitoring their health.
- If you have untreated HIV, it’s recommended to get a (third) dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days after the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, you don’t need an additional dose if you got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. If you are unsure if you need a third dose, talk to a health care provider.
Visit TakeControlHIV.com to find HIV resources or a health care provider near you.
