Current CDC Recommendations regarding allergies and COVID-19 vaccination:
Data regarding allergic reactions to COVID-19 vaccines as of December 21st, 2020.
- In the clinical trials with the Pfizer vaccine, less than 1.5% people who received the vaccine vs 1.1% in the placebo group experienced possible allergic reactions. No severe reactions were reported in either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine trials.
- As of December 21st, six cases of severe allergic reactions have been reported to the Pfizer vaccine. Out of over 20,000 doses given. That is less than .03%.
- Each individual who experienced severe reactions recovered after being treated with epinephrine and antihistamines.
Who CAN get the COVID-19 vaccine?
- People with history of severe allergies to food, pets, venoms, latex, and environmental allergens
- People with a history of allergies to oral medications, including those with severe allergic reactions.
- People who had mild allergic reactions to vaccines in the past. (For example: If the reaction did not require the administration of epinephrine)
Who MAY be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine after consultation with a physician?
- People with a history of a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine or injectable medication.
Who SHOULD NOT get the COVID-19 vaccine?
- People with a history of a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient (Ex. Polyethylene glycol) in the COVID-19 vaccine.
- People who experience a severe allergic reaction after the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. In that case we may be able to test you for allergy to a different COVID-19 vaccine when they are widely available.
After getting vaccinated:
- EVERYONE should be monitored for 15 minutes.
- Those with a history of severe reaction to vaccines or injectable medications should be monitored for 30 minutes.
- You should have epinephrine readily available if you have history of severe allergic reactions in the past
- In the unlikely event you experience shortness of breath, wheezing, flushing, generalized itching, hives, throat swelling, palpitations, or dizziness after leaving the facility, inject epinephrine in the outer thigh and call 911 immediately.
- Injection site pain, fatigue, headache, generalized muscle aches, joint pain, chills, and fever are normal responses to COVID-19 vaccination and are not considered allergic reactions.
For complete up-to-date information visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/
*The above information is up-to-date as of December 27th, 2020. It can change at any moment as the medical community learns more about COVID-19 and its vaccinations. We will do our best to update this information as it becomes available. Please do not hesitate to schedule a visit with one of our providers to answer any questions you may have.
*Remember: All vaccines carry risks. But, after review of the research and current state of COVID-19 in our community, it is the opinion of the doctors of the Allergy & Asthma Centre of Dayton that in the case of COVID-19, the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risk of COVID-19 infection in individuals and the community as a whole.
