A New York City health worker suffered a “significant allergic reaction” to the COVID-19 vaccine, the first “serious adverse event” of the sting in the Big Apple, and is in stable condition, according to report officials Wednesday.
“With more than 30,000 COVID-19 vaccines administered in New York City, we have received a single report of a serious adverse event in a health care worker,” according to the city’s health department.
“Vaccines have side effects and allergic reactions are known to occur, although they are uncommon,” the department added in a statement.
“We also know that, based on clinical trials and reports of adverse effects in other jurisdictions, reactions like these are rare, but have been reported with the Pfizer vaccine.”
The unidentified health worker is reported to be in stable condition after receiving treatment for the reaction.
The Department of Health said it is closely tracking reports of more serious side effects in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“This is the first serious adverse event we’ve encountered in New York City,” he said.
“We will continue to move forward with the distribution of the coronavirus vaccine to ensure that health care workers, nursing home staff and residents are protected against COVID-19.”
Health officials did not disclose what vaccine the worker received.