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FAA Reviewing Whether Pilots Can Take COVID Vaccine
The FAA says it hasn’t yet determined whether pilots will be able to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and keep their medicals. (www.avweb.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
I'm no doctor, but...oh wait, I am a doctor. I understand the lack of a concrete answer at this time from the FAA but common sense would dictate that in those who cross time zones and borders for a living, the risk benefit ratio would be in favor of the vaccine vs. performing such duties with risk of contracting the true disease. I would bet a dollar that if the FDA panel finds no glaring safety issue, approval will be granted. When I was a USAF flight surgeon, we stuck some pretty nasty vaccines in our aircrew...including my own backside...and all was well in the end (pun intended).
I'm sure the FAA, along with ICAO, EASA, etc. is working closely with the CDC, FDA, and other Federal agencies with respect to airmen getting Covid-19 vaccinations. The agency has not yet revealed its plans for use of the various vaccines, the agency may include some general precautions about a short waiting time, such as between 24 hours and 72 hours, after taking the vaccine before flying to ensure there are no side effects.
The agency has, in the past, sometimes recommended that pilots schedule waiting periods after taking a vaccine (e.g flu, tetanus, shingles, hepatitis B, Cholera, etc.) but geeting a vaccine is not a disqualifying event. Unless there is something truly unique about the Covid vaccine in terms of the side effects I would expect that the FAA would take the same posture. Based on my information the FAA seems to have approached the Covid-19 virus, for the most part, as it has other viruses such as the flu. Also based on what I've read and heard the FAA has been consistent with how they’ve treated things in the past. Any new drug, vaccine, or other medical procedure always gets reviewed by the doctors, researchers and scientist at the FAA's Civil Aerospace Medical Institute in Oklahoma City. As well as the medical staff at FAA headquarters in Washington along with the aforementioned players.
Regarding influenza vaccine, for example, the FAA has no restrictions other than common sense. Airmen should ground themselves for one half-hour after receiving influenza vaccine, just to make sure they do not have any acute allergic reactions. As for the use of the anti-influenza medications (e.g. Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir)), neither medication is disqualifying, per se according to the FAA. When used for prophylaxis, it could be prudent to not fly for 48-72 hours after starting the medication to ensure the airman does not have any adverse reactions to the medication. When used for treatment of influenza infection, then the airman should not fly until symptoms are resolved and afebrile for at least 24 hours without the use of antipyretics. Pilots must always abide with the regulations (i.e. 14 CFR 61.53) prohibition against exercising the privileges of their pilot certificate during medical deficiency – symptoms of influenza or medication side-effects do constitute a medical deficiency.
I am confident that once the FAA's Federal Air Surgeon has confirmed that receiving the Covid-19 vaccine does not affect a pilot’s medical certificate and confirmed that receipt of the vaccine is not cause for grounding for any duration then individuals who have been immunized with one of the Covid1-19 vaccines will not be disqualified from performing civilian airman duties so long as they do not experience significant side effects that would otherwise be considered disqualifying.
Best Regards
J Buck
Airman Medical Certificate holder (for 55+ years.)
The agency has, in the past, sometimes recommended that pilots schedule waiting periods after taking a vaccine (e.g flu, tetanus, shingles, hepatitis B, Cholera, etc.) but geeting a vaccine is not a disqualifying event. Unless there is something truly unique about the Covid vaccine in terms of the side effects I would expect that the FAA would take the same posture. Based on my information the FAA seems to have approached the Covid-19 virus, for the most part, as it has other viruses such as the flu. Also based on what I've read and heard the FAA has been consistent with how they’ve treated things in the past. Any new drug, vaccine, or other medical procedure always gets reviewed by the doctors, researchers and scientist at the FAA's Civil Aerospace Medical Institute in Oklahoma City. As well as the medical staff at FAA headquarters in Washington along with the aforementioned players.
Regarding influenza vaccine, for example, the FAA has no restrictions other than common sense. Airmen should ground themselves for one half-hour after receiving influenza vaccine, just to make sure they do not have any acute allergic reactions. As for the use of the anti-influenza medications (e.g. Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir)), neither medication is disqualifying, per se according to the FAA. When used for prophylaxis, it could be prudent to not fly for 48-72 hours after starting the medication to ensure the airman does not have any adverse reactions to the medication. When used for treatment of influenza infection, then the airman should not fly until symptoms are resolved and afebrile for at least 24 hours without the use of antipyretics. Pilots must always abide with the regulations (i.e. 14 CFR 61.53) prohibition against exercising the privileges of their pilot certificate during medical deficiency – symptoms of influenza or medication side-effects do constitute a medical deficiency.
I am confident that once the FAA's Federal Air Surgeon has confirmed that receiving the Covid-19 vaccine does not affect a pilot’s medical certificate and confirmed that receipt of the vaccine is not cause for grounding for any duration then individuals who have been immunized with one of the Covid1-19 vaccines will not be disqualified from performing civilian airman duties so long as they do not experience significant side effects that would otherwise be considered disqualifying.
Best Regards
J Buck
Airman Medical Certificate holder (for 55+ years.)
I (& over 500,000 US troops) had all kinds of ‘experimental’ drugs given to us (to include daily Pyridostigmine Bromide tablets) prior to Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. A lot of us had debilitating effects from those drugs & exposure. Going to be a long time before I’ll take one.
The Pyridostigmine was to protect you from the effects of "Nerve Gas". It's real use is to decrease muscle weakness from myasthenia gravis.
[This poster has been suspended.]
[This poster has been suspended.]
My son is in the Air Force. I've urged him NOT to get one claiming religious beliefs. I believe those troops in Desert Storm were part of an experiment. Messing with RNA and causing our MEN to become sterile or having children with birth defects. NO THANKS UNCLE SAM.
Your concerns are certainly valid. The impetus for the development of the vaccines we will have available to us is certainly different than the agents developed and used for military purposes such as protection from biologic and chemical agents. I support any hesitation to take the vaccine for such concerns. At the same time, we all need to observe the big picture as thousands and soon millions of people worldwide undergo vaccination. If no such adverse effects are seen, the more that receive it the better for all, including those close to you.
I hope you and yours stay safe and healthy.
I hope you and yours stay safe and healthy.