While the United States signed a deal with Pfizer Inc. on Wednesday. For an additional 100 million doses of their Covid-19 vaccine, the cases of allergic reactions have reportedly led to discussions between vaccine makers and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct clinical trials in highly allergic populations. According to a CNN report, the czaar of US President Donald Trump’s Covid-19 vaccine said the frequency of allergic reactions to Pfizer’s vaccine is greater than expected.
“That frequency, as it appeared yesterday (Dec. 22), is superior to what you’d expect from other vaccines,” said Dr. Moncef Slaoui, chief scientific advisor for Operation Warp Speed, according to the US Media Network.
UK regulators have already issued an opinion on the matter urging people with a history of “significant” allergic reactions not to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has provided precautionary advice to the National Health Service (NHS) after two health workers experienced allergic reactions. Dr. June Raine, chief executive of the MHRA, had testified before a parliamentary committee in which she acknowledged that the cases of allergic reactions did not appear in the extensive clinical trials.
“We know from the very extensive clinical studies that this was not a function. But if we need to strengthen our advice, now that we’ve had this experience in the vulnerable populations – the groups have been prioritized – we get that advice straight to the field, ”said Dr. Raine.
The United States began immunizing against coronavirus disease after the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) granted emergency use clearance to Pfizer-BioNTech, followed by Moderna. Under the new agreement for additional doses of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine, the US drug company and its German partner BioNTech will deliver at least 70 million doses by June 30, with the remaining doses delivered by July 31.