Severe Allergic Reactions – Possible Allergic Reaction to COVID Vaccine
The CDC learned from reports that some people had severe allergic reactions – also known as anaphylaxis – after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. For example, an allergic reaction is considered serious when a person needs to be treated with epinephrine or EpiPen.© or must go to the hospital.
Do you have an allergic reaction?
If you are vaccinated against COVID-19 and think you may be having a serious allergic reaction when leaving the vaccination site, seek medical attention immediately through 911.
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recommendations
If you’ve ever had a severe allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in any of the COVID-19 vaccines, the CDC recommends against getting vaccinated with that specific vaccine. If you have had a severe allergic reaction to other vaccines or injectable therapies, you should consult your doctor before getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Your doctor will help you determine if it is safe to get vaccinated.
The CDC recommends that those with a history of serious allergic reactions unrelated to vaccines or injectable medications, such as allergies to food, pets, poisons, the environment, or latex, should still get the vaccine. People with a history of oral drug allergies or a family history of severe allergic reactions, or who might have a milder allergy to vaccines (without anaphylaxis), can also get vaccinated.
If you have a severe allergic reaction after receiving the first injectable vaccine, you should not receive the second. Your doctor may refer you to an allergy and immunology specialist for further care and information.
Preventive measures implemented
The CDC has Provided Recommendations for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers on how to be prepared for the possibility of a severe allergic reaction:
- All people who are vaccinated against COVID-19 should be monitored on the spot. People with a history of severe allergic reactions should be monitored for 30 minutes after getting vaccinated. The rest of the people should be monitored for 15 minutes after being vaccinated.
- Vaccine providers must have the appropriate medications and equipment, such as epinephrine, antihistamines, stethoscopes, blood pressure wristbands, and pulse timers, at all COVID-19 vaccination sites.
- If you have a severe allergic reaction after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, vaccination providers should take care of you immediately and call emergency medical services. You must continue to be monitored in a medical facility for at least several hours.
Learn more about what to expect after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, including side effects and tips to reduce pain or discomfort.
CDC is monitoring reports of severe allergic reactions
If someone has a severe allergic reaction after getting vaccinated, the vaccination provider will send a report to the Vaccine Adverse Reaction Reporting System (VAERS) .external icon VAERS is the national system that collects reports from health care professionals, vaccine manufacturers, and the general public on adverse reactions that occur after vaccination. Reports of unexpected adverse reactions, which appear to occur more frequently than anticipated, or have unusual patterns are followed up with specific studies.
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