This is part 67 of our common questions about coronavirus. Click here to read other episodes: #Coronavirus the facts. Find the latest information and answers from experts on everything COVID-19.
Should we take the vaccine?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on January 6 that the values of the vaccine exceed the risks of coronavirus infection, and recommended that people get the chance.
How common is an allergic reaction?
In the US, 1,893,360 people took the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines between December 14 and 23. As of January 6, 21 people are experiencing severe allergic reactions, called anaphylaxis. This equates to a rate of 11 cases per 1 million vaccinations.
The anaphylactic shock of the vaccine is about ten times that of the flu shot. But the CDC points out that it is still extremely rare for the COVID-19 vaccine to cause such side effects, and that it is a very safe vaccine.
The CDC also notes that data collection is still at an early stage, something that limits the comparison of risks with other vaccines.
Who is likely to experience anaphylaxis?
The CDC figures show that 17 out of 21 people who developed an anaphylaxis symptom had a documented history of allergies or allergic reactions, including to drugs or medical products, food and insect stings.
Allergic reactions to the coronavirus vaccine became apparent within 15 minutes for 71% of those affected, while 14% showed signs within 15-30 minutes and 14% took longer than 30 minutes.
Did people recover from allergic reactions?
Some of the 21 people were admitted to the hospital. The 20 patients whose progress was followed recovered or were discharged from the hospital. No deaths were reported.
Should people with allergies consider getting the vaccine?
The CDC recommends that it be an unnecessary precaution that people who are allergic to food, animals or other substances should not get the vaccine.
It recommends that people who have experienced symptoms after vaccinations or injections in the past should stay on the vaccination sites to monitor their condition for at least 30 minutes. All other persons must be monitored for at least 15 minutes.
Visit the following websites for more information:
– A CDC report released on January 6, 2021.
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/pdfs/mm7002e1-H.pdf
– CDC press release transcript from January 6, 2021.
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/t0106-cdc-update-covid-19.html
– COVID-19 Vaccines and Allergic Reactions (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/allergic-reaction.html
This information is accurate as of January 26th.
