The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department says concerns about much of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine may cause a temporary setback in the distribution of second doses.
County health officials say they are following state directions and have paused administration of the affected vaccine after reports of possible allergic reactions in several people; however, the state will not immediately replace those doses and that may result in some people not getting their second injection.
San Luis Obispo County reportedly received 4,400 doses of the Moderna Lot 041L20A vaccine. None have been declined.
Health officials say the delay will not affect initial vaccination appointments and receiving the second dose a few weeks later than expected will not be harmful.
Those waiting for their second dose will receive a text or email from the county when it is available.
The CDC, FDA, Moderna, and the state of California are investigating after some people reported side effects after receiving the vaccine’s specific fate.
Last week, six health workers developed allergic reactions at a vaccine superstation set up in San Diego’s Petco Park and the site was temporarily closed.
California Department of Public Health officials say from Jan.5-12 that more than 330,000 doses of the specific Moderna batch have been distributed to 287 providers in California.
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department says it has also received some of the Moderna Lot 041L20A vaccine, but nothing has been administered yet.
Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, UC San Francisco infectious disease expert, says the reports shouldn’t stop others from getting the vaccine and if you haven’t had any reactions to vaccines in the past, you probably won’t. with the COVID-19 vaccine.
“The risk of a serious allergic reaction is so small, especially in someone who has a history of it,” said Dr. Chin-Hong. “It’s minute compared to the risk of just having COVID-19.”
The CDC says common side effects of the vaccine are to be expected, including pain or swelling at the injection site, fever, chills, fatigue, and headaches.