What You Should Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine and Allergies

COVID-19 Vaccine and Allergies

The COVID-19 vaccine has brought about many questions, especially among people with allergies. Given that the vaccine has caused some rare, severe allergic reactions, people with allergies need to be informed about the risks involved in getting vaccinated. 

What You Should Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine and Allergies

Allergies to Ingredients in the COVID-19 Vaccine

The CDC has advised people who have had a severe allergic reaction or immediate (non-severe) allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccine not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This applies to any of the currently available COVID-19 vaccines.

Allergies to Other Vaccines

Suppose you haven’t had an allergic reaction to an ingredient in the vaccine, but have had an allergic reaction to a different vaccine or injectable therapy; In that case, you should consult with a medical professional about receiving the vaccine and whether doing so will be safe for you. 

Severe Allergic Reactions to the COVID-19 Vaccine

That said, severe allergic reactions caused by the COVID-19 vaccine are very rare. In general, people with other types of allergies shouldn’t avoid getting vaccinated due to these rare allergic reactions. Other types of allergies may include allergies to foods, pets, environmental factors, venom, or latex.

Family History of Allergic Reactions to Vaccines

Some people with a family history of a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine are concerned over their own risk of a reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine. However, a family history of a severe allergic reaction doesn’t lead to a risk for the COVID-19 vaccine. 

The COVID-19 vaccine presents the opportunity to protect yourself, your loved ones, and others around you from COVID-19 infection. Millions of people (and counting!) have been safely vaccinated, and it’s recommended that you get vaccinated if it’s safe for you to do so. 

As a top allergist, Dr. Jamie Kratz at Kratz Allergy & Asthma can consider your existing allergies and help determine if the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.