Amid last week’s retiring news segments, where front-line healthcare workers received the first dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine reports that curbed the excitement: that some of the vaccine recipients experienced hard allergic reactions after his shot.
These stories are (understandably) disturbing, especially for those with allergies. But rather than panic, it is important to look at these incidents in a broader context. Here’s what you need to know about COVID vaccines and allergies, including updated security guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Allergic reactions to the Pfizer COVID vaccine
On Sunday afternoon, the CDC reported it 556,000 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine had been administered in the United States. And starting Saturday, December. 19, identified the CDC six cases of anaphylaxis“A serious one,” potentially life-threatening allergic reaction—Among those who had received the first vaccine that received the Emergency Use Authorization (USA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
G / O Media may receive a commission
To date, no cases of anaphylaxis have been reported publicly among those who have received the Modern vaccine, although today is only the second day it has been administered.
And while we’re on the subject, anaphylaxis is not exclusive to the COVID-19 vaccine: These severe allergic reactions can occur with any vaccine. Fortunately, they are extremely rare, they occur, on average, with approximately one dose per million administered.
Were there cases of anaphylaxis in the clinical trials?
Before Pfizer and Moderna vaccines received US, each had to meet strict safety requirements, which also covered possible allergic reactions. But neither of the participants in either of the two clinical trials he experienced anaphylaxis after receiving the vaccine, leaving scientists wondering what is causing these serious reactions now.
Despite reports that the clinical trial of the Pfizer vaccine excluded anyone with a history of severe food or drug allergies, was not exactly the case. There were approximately 6,000 participants in the final phase trial of the vaccine with a history of a number of allergies, including pollen and food. Reuters reported. But people with a severe adverse reaction to any vaccine (or a component of the Pfizer vaccine) were excluded.
A new study focused on allergic reactions
Yesterday, officials from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced this design has been initiated in a study that aims to determine if a specific component of the vaccine is likely behind these allergic reactions or if they were simply coincidental. Not only is there pressure to get this information as quickly as possible, but the study itself also presents a major challenge, as it will involve people who have history of severe allergic reactions.
Scientists have so far identified a possible suspect: a compound called polyethylene glycol (PEG) found in the messenger RNA (mRNA) container used in both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Even though, as reported by SciencePEG has never been used before in an approved vaccine, but is found in several known medications that occasionally trigger anaphylaxis.
What people with allergies should know about COVID vaccines
Although it is not yet clear what exactly caused the cases of anaphylaxis in Pfizer vaccine receptors, CDC has published a set of guidelines to help us make informed decisions about vaccination when it comes to us:
- Avoid a particular COVID-19 vaccine if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any of its ingredients (here are the ingredient lists for Pfizer i Modern).
- Do not get the second dose of a vaccine if you have it a severe allergic reaction to the first shot.
- Ask your doctor if you should take a COVID-19 vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to other vaccines or injectable therapies.
- People with a history of severe allergic reactions not related to vaccines or injectable drugs, such as food allergies, pets, poison, or latex or environmental allergies“He can still be vaccinated.”
- People with a history of oral drug allergies or a family history of severe allergic reactions or who may have a milder allergy to vaccines (but no anaphylaxis) you can also be vaccinated.
What if you have an allergic reaction after receiving the vaccine
There have been any health or professional centers that administer a COVID-19 vaccine given a set of instructions to follow in case someone has an allergic reaction. But as a person receiving the vaccine, it is important that you also know the procedure, whether you have a history of allergies or not. Here are the recommended ones CDC guarantees:
- All persons receiving a vaccine against COVID-19 should be monitored in situ. People with a history of severe allergic reactions should be monitored 30 minutes after receiving the vaccine. All other people should be monitored for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine.
- Vaccination providers should have appropriate medications and equipment, such as epinephrine, antihistamines, stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, and pulse-checking devices, at all COVID-19 vaccination sites.
- If you experience a severe allergic reaction after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, vaccination providers should provide prompt care and seek emergency medical services. You should continue to be supervised at a medical center for at least several hours.
As a matter of fact, the rule on monitoring everyone for 15 minutes after vaccination is not specific for COVID vaccines. It is a routine procedure also for the flu vaccine.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccines and allergies, Allergic Living has developed these useful frequently asked questions.