Related Statements or Resources from Our Partners and Collaborators

TheFightIsInUs: A campaign focusing on recruiting COVID-19 survivors to donate plasma at licensed blood and plasma donor centers. The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD®) COVID-19 Critical Relief Program offers financial relief to members of the rare disease community affected by the COVID-19 pandemic FDA resources to help address questions patients may have about FDA-regulated medical products (drugs, biologics, devices) and COVID-19 CDC resources for managing anxiety and stress Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America International FPIES Association Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team Mastocytosis Society Message from Nutricia North America (makers of Neocate formula) Press Release from Takeda Pharmaceuticals on Patient Assistance During COVID-19 and Expanded Patient Assistance Statement

COVID-19 Resources

The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) is closely monitoring developments regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the potential impact on the higher-risk patients in the eosinophil-associated disease community. This is a rapidly changing situation and we encourage you to follow updates on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s website and your state health department website.

Presentation of Interest

COVID-19, Vaccination and Eosinophilia by Dr. Paneez Khoury, NIH
To access the presentation, register for the Eos Connection 2021 Conference and navigate to the Theater.

Research about COVID-19 and Eosinophilic Disorders

Learn more about the latest published research on COVID-19 and Eosinophil-associated diseases.

Pfizer/BioNTech COVID Vaccine

COVID-19 has spread around the world resulting in the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring a public health emergency of international concern and the United States Health and Human Services Secretary declaring a public health emergency.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force published recommended guidance related to risk of an allergic reaction on vaccination. If you have questions about vaccination and whether or not you are a candidate for the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID vaccine, please speak to your health care provider.

https://acaai.org/news/american-college-allergy-asthma-and-immunology-releases-guidance-risk-allergic-reactions-pfizer

Potential Impact on People with Eosinophil-Associated Diseases

There is not enough information as of yet, however, it appears that people with chronic health conditions, including those who have pulmonary or cardiac eosinophilic disorders, and those who take systemic corticosteroids and/or other immunosuppressive medications (e.g., methotrexate, cyclosporin, rituximab infusions) may be at higher risk of developing complications or more severe infection with COVID-19. Individuals should contact their healthcare provider if they have symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

UPDATE (January 2021): Increased research studies suggest that eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases are not risk factors for COVID-19.

APFED encourages everyone to follow COVID-19 guidance from the CDC and the WHO and to be alert to local quarantine practices in their communities.

CDC Information about COVID-19

Medical Reviewers: Gerald J. Gleich, MD, University of Utah Health; Michael E. Wechsler, MD, National Jewish Health; Praveen Akuthota, MD, UC San Diego Health.

Other Resources and Updates

APFED Resource: Managing Stress and Anxiety Amid COVID-19
CEGIR Announcement: A COVID-19 related announcement from leadership of the Consortium for Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers (CEGIR), addressing questions from patients with gastrointestinal subsets of eosinophil-associated diseases.
JACI Article: A look at eosinophil responses during COVID-19 infection and coronavirus vaccination has been released by the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI). This is an expedited pre-proof version.