Can People With Allergies Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19?

At least 60 million people in the United States have allergic reactions and another 30 million have food or chemical allergies. Many wonder if they can get vaccinated against COVID-19.

I Have Allergies, Can I Get Vaccinated?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States, people can be vaccinated, even if they have a history of allergies or associated pathologies. However, this only applies to individuals whose allergies are not associated with vaccines or injectable vaccinations. 

Also read: Is there a COVID-19 weak point?

According to the CDC, if the person had a moderate allergic reaction, they should not get the second vaccine. It is important that individuals know this information if they come across these events. However, people who suffer from allergies or have had reactions to other components can also receive the vaccine against COVID-19.

Allergy to major components of mRNA and Johnson & Johnson / Janssen vaccines should be addressed for patients with reactions to these substances. The first contains polyethylene glycol PEG and the second has polysorbate. Given this knowledge, people allergic to such chemicals should contact their treating physician before being vaccinated.

Cases That Merit Greater Care

It is necessary for people to know their immune status before receiving vaccines against COVID-19 for which it is recommended to consult with their doctors. Allergies begin to be serious when to treat their symptoms it is necessary to apply medications with epinephrine or in other cases, hospitalization. In some cases, there are people with a history of bronchial asthma since they were children, and these should be evaluated by medical personnel because this disease has several causes and there may be no problem when getting the vaccine against COVID-19. For those who are naturally allergic to environmental factors, it would usually be enough to mention it to the healthcare professional.

Observation At the First Dose

The CDC has collected information about people who have developed rashes on their arms after having the injection. Some are accompanied by redness, itching, and burning. The so-called "COVID-19 arm" results when the first dose has been given. Allergy flare-ups on the arm appear within days and can last a little over a week and in some individuals they can be quite noticeable.

Doctors tend to recommend a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine in the other arm when placing the first dose in the first arm presents a rash. If it stings, it is necessary to take an antihistamine, but when it occurs with pain or burning, anti-inflammatory drugs are required to reduce discomfort. It should be noted that NSAID steroids and any other previously unauthorized components should not be ingested.