Allergies to Covid-19 Vaccines – What is the Advice?

COVID-19 vaccines were at the forefront of the media, and clinicians gave the first vaccinations in December 2020. However, the vaccines manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna met with concern after reports of possible allergic reactions in the public.

By January 4, 2021, 4,563,260 Americans have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. At least ten cases of allergic reactions to the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine and two cases to the Moderna vaccine have been reported, according to an expert team of allergy sufferers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). This is a rate of 1.3 per 100,000 doses of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine.

To address concerns about an anaphylactic allergic reaction, MGH's team of experts examined all current relevant information. They then published their review in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.

The researchers advise that the small number of people who suffered an allergic reaction did so within 15 minutes of post-vaccination observation. They also report that people were treated quickly and that all symptoms had subsided. So far, there have been no deaths or long-term effects from allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine.

After initial allergic reactions in health care workers, people with a history of anaphylaxis to food or medication were advised not to use the COVID-19 vaccine. After further review, this advice has now been changed.

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Clinical Recommendations for Allergies and COVID-19 Vaccinations are as follows:

• If you have had a severe or immediate allergic reaction to any component of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, you should not receive either the Pfizer BioNTech or Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
• If you have a severe or immediate allergic reaction to the first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, you should not receive the second dose.
• People who are allergic to polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysorbate should not receive any of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.
• Any person who receives vaccination should be monitored for at least 15 minutes after vaccination.
• Any person who has previously had a severe or immediate allergic reaction to a vaccine or injectable therapy should be monitored for at least 30 minutes after vaccination.
• If you have a severe or immediate allergic reaction to food, animals, the environment, latex, oral medications, or have a family history of severe allergic reactions, you should still get vaccinated.
• For people who have had an allergic reaction to other vaccinations, you should discuss this with your doctor so that he can safely assess whether you should receive the COVID-19 vaccination.

The team of experts assures in the review that people with a history of food or drug allergies can safely receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines do not contain common allergens such as eggs, specific preservatives or latex. The full review includes detailed guidance to ensure that people with a history of allergy can safely receive the COVID-19 vaccine. For those who develop a response to the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the allergists also describe steps to safely administer the second dose. This advice from experienced allergists is reassuring as we introduce the COVID-19 vaccination program.

Written by Helen Massy, ​​BSc

References:

Banerji, A., Wickner, P., Saff, R., Stone, C., Robinson, L., Long, A., Wolfson, A., Williams, P., Khan, D., Phillips, E. and Blumenthal, K., 2020. mRNA Vaccines for the Prevention of COVID-19 Diseases and Reported Allergic Reactions: Current Findings and Approaches. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2021. COVID-19 and your health. (online) Available at: (Accessed January 5, 2021).

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