US: Severe Allergic Reaction In Healthcare Workers After Pfizer Shot; Concerns Over Side-Effects Rise Again

Britain's medical regulator informed anyone with a history of anaphylaxis, or severe allergic reactions to a medicine or food, should avoid getting the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine while the US Food and Drug Administration said those with allergies should be safe to receive the vaccine.

As the much-anticipated vaccination drive went live in the US, two healthcare workers had faced allergic reactions after taking the jab thereby raising concerns about the side effects of the vaccination. It is reported that a middle-aged woman who had no history of allergies, started to witness an anaphylactic reaction after 10 minutes of taking the shot. Similarly, an Alaskan health worker who took the Pfizer Inc and BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine had a serious allergic reaction. However, both the health workers are said to be stable now.

As per the New York Times report, the middle aged women was first given a shot of epinephrine, a standard treatment for severe allergic reactions after which the symptoms subsided to re-emerged. She was later treated with steroids and an epinephrine drip.

It has been clarified that these reactions will not come in the way of the vaccination drive. Health officials will continue on with the vaccine rollout plans and the information has been shared to keep the public informed.  Such reactions were similar to two cases reported last week in Britain.

What were the symptoms of the allergic reaction?

There was a rash over the face and torso of the woman including shortness of breath and an elevated heart rate.
While the other worker developed eye puffiness, lightheadedness and a scratchy throat 10 minutes after the injection.
The worker was back to normal within an hour and released while the woman had to stay for two nights for observation before being discharged.

What has the regulators said in both countries?

Britain's medical regulator informed that anyone with a history of anaphylaxis, or severe allergic reactions to a medicine or food, should not get the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, according to Reuters.

Meanwhile the US Food and Drug Administration said that most Americans with allergies should be safe to receive the vaccine. Those who have previously had severe allergic reactions to vaccines or ingredients in this particular vaccine should avoid getting the shot. Although the Alaskan patient did not have a history of allergic reactions.

Should you be worried about opting for vaccination?

Pfizer said the vaccine comes with a clear warning that appropriate medical treatment and supervision should always be readily available in case of anaphylaxis, but it would update the labeling language for the vaccine if needed. The hospital, which had administered 144 total doses as of Wednesday night, mentioned both workers did not want their experiences to have a negative impact on others lining up for the vaccine.