A New York City health worker had a serious adverse reaction to the coronavirus vaccine, officials said Wednesday.
New York City Health Commissioner David Chokshi said during a press conference that the unidentified worker experienced a “significant allergic reaction” to the vaccine. He added that the worker was treated for the reaction and is in stable condition and is recovering.
The incident was the first adverse reaction reported in the city.
Chokshi said the department has been tracking the side effects of coronavirus vaccines in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), but noted that they are uncommon. He advised those who have had allergic reactions to previous vaccines or injections to consult doctors before getting vaccinated.
“For the vast majority of people who have allergies, this situation does not apply,” he said. “The COVID-19 vaccine will be safe and effective for these people and for everyone.”
The reaction comes less than a week after the Food and Drug Administration said it was investigating multiple reports of adverse reactions to the Pfizer and BioNTech coronavirus vaccine in Alaska and other states.
Peter Marks, who heads the agency’s Biological Products Assessment and Research Center, said Friday it was unclear what caused the reactions. However, he indicated that a chemical called polyethylene glycol, present in both the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine and that of Moderna, “could be the culprit.”
In guidelines issued Saturday, the CDC advises those who experience a severe reaction after the first dose not to receive the second vaccine.
He warned the UK health regulator earlier this month that those who experienced a “significant” history of allergic reactions should not receive the Pfizer vaccine after two people reported adverse reactions.