This is part 67 of our frequently asked questions about coronavirus. Click here to read other rates: #Coronavirus Facts. Find the latest information and answers from experts about all COVID-19.
Should we get the vaccine?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on January 6 that vaccine values exceed the risk of coronavirus infection and recommended that people get the vaccine.
How often is an allergic response?
In the United States, 1,893,360 people received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines between December 14-23. As of January 6, 21 people had severe allergic responses, called anaphylaxis. This results in a rate of 11 cases per 1 million vaccinations.
The rate of anaphylactic shock for the vaccine is about 10 times higher than that for the flu vaccine. But the CDC points out that the COVID-19 vaccine is still extremely rare to cause such side effects and is a very safe vaccine.
The CDC also notes that data compilation is still in its infancy, which limits the comparison of risks with other vaccines.
Who is likely to experience anaphylaxis?
CDC figures show that 17 out of 21 people who developed a symptom of anaphylaxis had a documented history of allergies or allergic reactions, including to medications or medical products, food and insect bites.
Allergic reactions to the coronavirus vaccine became evident within 15 minutes for 71% of those affected, 14% showing signs within 15-30 minutes and 14% lasting more than 30 minutes.
Have people recovered from allergic responses?
Some of the 21 people were hospitalized. The 20 patients whose progress was followed recovered or were discharged from the hospital. No deaths were reported.
Should people with allergies reconsider vaccine administration?
The CDC recommends that it be an unnecessary precaution for people who are allergic to food, animals or other substances to avoid vaccination.
It is recommended that people who have had symptoms after vaccinations or injections in the past stay at the vaccination sites to monitor their condition for at least 30 minutes. All other persons must be monitored for at least 15 minutes.
For more information, visit the following websites:
– A CDC report published on January 6, 2021.
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/pdfs/mm7002e1-H.pdf
– Transcript of the CDC press briefing from January 6, 2021.
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/t0106-cdc-update-covid-19.html
– Vaccines and allergic reactions COVID-19 (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/allergic-reaction.html
This information is correct as of January 26.
