| Web: | mayocliniclabs.com |
|---|---|
| Email: | mcl@mayo.edu |
| Telephone: | 800-533-1710 |
| International: | +1 855-379-3115 |
| Values are valid only on day of printing | |
| Web: | mayocliniclabs.com |
|---|---|
| Email: | mcl@mayo.edu |
| Telephone: | 800-533-1710 |
| International: | +1 855-379-3115 |
| Values are valid only on day of printing | |
If you or a loved one are immunocompromised, and therefore at a higher risk of becoming severely ill from COIVD-19, it's more important than ever to plan ahead for upcoming holiday gatherings. Among those at heightened risk are cancer and transplant patients who are taking immunosuppression medication, in addition to patients with advanced and untreated HIV/AIDS.
ROCHESTER, Minn. — As families prepare to gather later this month for Thanksgiving, it is important for patients who are immunocompromised to take extra steps to protect themselves from becoming infected with COVID-19. People who are immunocompromised have weakened immune systems, which means they have a higher risk of becoming severely ill from COVID-19.
With 28 million more children in the U.S. now eligible to be vaccinated for COVID-19, parents of kids 5–11 may still have questions about the vaccine and if it's safe for younger children. Dr. Tina Ardon, a Mayo Clinic family medicine physician, says that it is safe to vaccinate children 5–11 for COVID-19.
Although COVID-19 has been seen as a disease that primarily affects the lungs, it can affect other organs, including the heart. Organ damage can lead to health complications that linger after being infected with COVID-19. People with heart disease are at an increased risk of more severe complications from COVID-19, but anyone infected with COVID-19 could be at risk for heart problems.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra visited Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, on Wednesday, Nov. 10, to celebrate the availability of safe, highly effective COVID-19 vaccines for children 5–11. He was joined by U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and other state and local leaders to highlight the hard work and strong science behind the vaccines, which remain a key asset in the fight against COVID-19. They were welcomed by Gianrico Farrugia, M.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic, along with other Mayo Clinic leaders.
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I'm 60, and I have received my first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. I typically spend a month each winter at my daughter's home. Although I am scheduled for my second dose soon, I was wondering about obtaining a booster vaccination. When will I be eligible, and is it necessary at my age to boost my immunity against COVID-19?
