The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has reported how rare and severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis can be after receiving COVID-19 vaccines. But what should you do if you're hesitant about taking the shot?
Vaccination Efforts at Full Blast
As COVID continues to make its way through the global populace setting new normal standards for socialization, the United States public health officials confirm in reports that severe allergic reactions to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines have occurred despite its rarity.
In a study published January 6 by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, findings reveal that the risk for anaphylaxis--a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction-- from the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is low.
Based on data gathered from patients who received the first of two recommended doses, only 1 in 90,000 people had adverse reactions, which is less than 3% of the lifetime risk of dying from choking hazards.
In short, severe allergic reactions from the vaccine is 8.5 times higher than the risk from seasonal flu vaccines.
The study shows that out of the 1.89 million Americans that received the initial dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines from December 14-23,2020, more than 99.998% did not experience severe allergic reactions.
The report aims to ease any hesitation and fear of those who plan to get the vaccine.
Nancy Messonnier, director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said, "My colleagues at CDC and FDA and I are dedicated to ensuring that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe".
Facts We Know About Anaphylaxis Cases
An article by National Geographic summarized the studied data. Of the 21 reported cases of severe anaphylaxis post-Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine shot, 19 were women, and half were aged 40-60.
17 of the cases had a history of allergic reactions from other types of vaccines, bee or wasp stings, medication, and food. 7 had a medical history of anaphylaxis.
18 out of 21 cases documented begun exhibiting symptoms within the first 30 minutes of the initial dose. Almost all were immediately treated with epinephrine--a standard anaphylaxis treatment in Epi-Pens. Only 4 required hospitalizations.
20 out of 21 patients have fully recovered or have been discharged from the hospital by December 23.
To this day, there are no geographic clustering cases. This means there is no evidence of any form of contamination issue with the vaccine.
As of now, there is no apparent risk difference between Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines. Although more allergic reactions and anaphylaxis came from Pfizer-BioNTech patients, the CDC says this is due to the vaccine being the first authorized for trials.
Research into the anaphylaxis cases are young and lean more towards women which may be due to a biological phenomenon or simply because 62% of those who received the vaccine were women.
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