Durham, NC – Many people are allergic to something. Medical studies suggest that about 2% of Americans have allergies that are so severe that they can be fatal.
A first-class doctor from Duke is 2% and had to decide whether to play with the COVID-19 vaccine.
“I have a history of anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergy,” said Dr. Leonor Corsino, an adult endocrinologist at Duke University Hospital.
It was not shot, as most health officials did in the first week of Pfizer’s launch.
“I was a little nervous to be honest,” she said.
However, her history of a known severe allergy did not prevent her from participating in the global health initiative.
“I must say that my first dose went well. I didn’t have major reactions, “she said.
There are rare cases of side effects after the vaccine. Several health workers had difficulty breathing, dizziness and increased heart rate. Since then, the CDC has set new guidelines.
Anyone who has had severe previous reactions to vaccines should talk to their doctor before getting vaccinated. Those who are severely allergic to any of the ingredients included in the Pfizer or Moderna photos should skip the vaccine.
Corsino said that everyone is monitored for up to 30 minutes after receiving the shot and that each vaccination site has the medicine at hand to treat an allergic reaction.
“I don’t want this to derail people from receiving it,” she said. “My message is to do your homework and make an informed decision if this is right for you.”
And for Corsino, the benefits of the vaccine far outweighed the risks. As he prepares for his second dose next week, he encourages people to trust science.