We are certain that many of you have heard of the reported severe allergic reaction to the Pfizer vaccine.
The details of these reactions have yet to be fully disclosed but the following
recommendation is from the CDC's ACIP Expands on Precautions and Contraindications for Pfizer Vaccine:
"Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is a contraindication to vaccination listed in the prescribing information. Anaphylactic reactions in persons outside of clinical trials have been reported. While these reports are further investigated, CDC considers a history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any other vaccine or injectable therapy (e.g., intramuscular, intravenous, or subcutaneous) as a precaution but not a contraindication to vaccination. In persons who report a history of anaphylaxis to another vaccine (i.e., any other vaccine besides the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine) or injectable therapy, a risk assessment should be conducted to determine type of reaction and certainty of information. For example, whether the medication was administered by injection or another route or whether the reaction constituted a severe allergic reaction (e.g., required use of epinephrine [EpiPen®, etc.], resulted in hospitalization). These persons may still receive vaccination, but they should be counseled about the unknown risks of developing a severe allergic reaction and balance these risks against the benefits of vaccination. A history of mild allergic reaction to a vaccine or injectable therapy, such as urticaria alone without signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis, is not a contraindication or precaution to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, allergic reactions (including severe allergic reactions) not related to vaccines or injectable therapies (e.g., food, pet, venom, environmental, or latex allergies; oral medications [including the oral equivalents of injectable medications]) are not a contraindication or precaution to vaccination with Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine."
If you are still concerned regarding receiving the vaccine, please contact your allergist in our
practice to further discuss any concerns you may have.
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