This is Part 67 of our Coronavirus FAQs. Click here to read other episodes: #Coronavirus the Facts. Find the latest information and expert answers to everything about COVID-19.
Should we take the vaccine?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Jan. 6 that the vaccine’s values exceed the risks of coronavirus infection, advising people to get the injection.
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. On January 6, 21 people had severe allergic reactions called anaphylaxis. This equates to a rate of 11 cases per 1 million vaccinations.
The rate of anaphylactic shock for the vaccine is about 10 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 in its infancy, something that limits the risk comparison with other vaccines.
Who is likely to get anaphylaxis?
The CDC figures show that 17 of the 21 people who developed an anaphylaxis symptom had a documented history of allergies or allergic reactions, including drugs or medical products, food, and insect stings.
Allergic reactions to the coronavirus vaccine became apparent within 15 minutes for 71% of those affected, with 14% showing signs within 15-30 minutes and 14% more than 30 minutes.
Have people recovered from allergic reactions?
Some of the 21 people were hospitalized. The 20 patients whose progress was monitored recovered or were discharged from the hospital. No deaths were reported.
Should allergy sufferers reconsider getting the vaccine?
The CDC advises that it is an unnecessary precaution for people who are allergic to food, animals, or other substances to avoid getting the vaccine.
It recommends that people who have had symptoms in the past after vaccines or injections should stay at vaccination sites to monitor their condition for at least 30 minutes. All other people should be monitored for at least 15 minutes.
Visit the following websites for more information:
– A CDC report released January 6, 2021.
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/pdfs/mm7002e1-H.pdf
– CDC press briefing transcript of 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 correct as of January 26.
