The types of vaccines now available against COVID-19 use mRNA technology. This type of vaccine has been under development for many years and, unlike other immunizations, does not place a weak or inactive germ into the body, but instead teaches cells in our body to make an immune response that then produces antibodies which provide protection if exposed to COVID-19.
Given the scale of the pandemic with the impact upon lives and long-term health, experts from the US (FDA, CDC) and Europe (MHRA, EMA) have carefully reviewed data from very large clinical studies conducted by the vaccine developers and provided emergency authorization approval to expedite availability to the public. Reported side effects from the vaccines currently available (Pfizer and Moderna) are rare, but their use in those with a history of severe allergies should be discussed with a medical adviser and possibly avoided. Studies are currently underway looking at the safety of the vaccine in children.
PWSA | USA understands that decisions regarding COVID-19 vaccination is a personal/family decision, but advocates for vaccination, particularly among those with Prader-Willi syndrome who are at an increased potential risk for COVID-19 complications (i.e., those individuals with severe obesity, sleep apnea, diabetes and cardiovascular disease).
Jennifer Bolander has been serving as a Special Education Specialist for PWSA (USA) since October of 2015. She is a graduate of John Carroll University and lives in Ohio with her husband Brad and daughters Kate (17), and Sophia (13) who was born with PWS.
Perry A. Zirkel has written more than 1,500 publications on various aspects of school law, with an emphasis on legal issues in special education. He writes a regular column for NAESP’s Principal magazine and NASP’s Communiqué newsletter, and he did so previously for Phi Delta Kappan and Teaching Exceptional Children.
Evan has worked with the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA) since 2007 primarily as a Crisis Intervention and Family Support Counselor. Evans works with parents and schools to foster strong collaborative relationships and appropriate educational environments for students with PWS.
Dr. Amy McTighe is the PWS Program Manager and Inpatient Teacher at the Center for Prader-Willi Syndrome at the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh. She graduated from Duquesne University receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education with a focus on elementary education, special education, and language arts.
Staci Zimmerman works for Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Colorado as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) consultant. Staci collaborates with the PWS multi-disciplinary clinic at the Children’s Hospital in Denver supporting families and school districts around the United States with their child’s Individual Educational Plan.
Founded in 2001, SDLC is a non-profit legal services organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the legal rights of people with disabilities throughout the South. It partners with the Southern Poverty Law Center, Protection and Advocacy (P&A) programs, Legal Services Corporations (LSC) and disability organizations on major, systemic disability rights issues involving the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the federal Medicaid Act. Recently in November 2014, Jim retired.