When the COVID-19 vaccines first came out, there was a lot of concern about allergic reactions. More information is now available as scientists have been able to research the topic.
Editor’s note: This article was published on March 24, 2021. COVID-19 information and recommendations are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website or view our most recent COVID-19 blog posts.
When the COVID-19 vaccines first came out, there was a lot of concern about allergic reactions. More information is now available as scientists have been able to research the topic.
Research has shown that immediate, severe allergic reactions are very rare when getting any of the COVID-19 vaccines. In fact, there is less than a 12 in 1 million chance. According to NASA, you are more likely to get hit by a meteorite.
“Even with the research about severe allergic reactions, many are still concerned about allergies with the vaccines,” said Dr. Edward Belongia, an epidemiologist with Marshfield Clinic Research Institute.
Below are some key takeaways about the COVID-19 vaccines and allergies.
Allergies that stop you from getting the COVID-19 vaccine
You should not get the COVID-19 vaccine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
If you are concerned about being allergic to a specific ingredient in the vaccine, you should talk to your doctor. Specific ingredients can be found at the below links:
- Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (page 2)
- Moderna vaccine (page 2)
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine (page 2)
Allergies and when you can get the COVID-19 vaccine
If you have had an allergic reaction to another vaccine or an injectable medicine, you should talk to your doctor. They can help discuss your past allergy history with other vaccines or injectable medicines to determine if you should be concerned about receiving the COVID-19 vaccines.
You are able to get the COVID-19 vaccine if you have had an allergic reaction that is not related to vaccines or injectable medicines. This includes allergies to eggs, gelatin, food, pets, venom, environmental allergies or oral medicines.
“If someone has an allergy, in most cases they should not let it stop them from getting the COVID-19 vaccine,” Dr. Belongia said. “Their doctor is a great resource to ask questions. They can also ask the person administering the vaccine if their allergies are concerning.”
What an allergic reaction looks like
In the rare case that you have an allergic reaction after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, you can expect hives, swelling, difficulty breathing or a rash.
Immediate, severe allergic reactions that go beyond these symptoms are very rare when getting any of the COVID-19 vaccines.
Teams are ready for allergic reactions
Locations providing the vaccine are ready for an allergic reaction. This includes proper personnel, medication and equipment on site. All of this is ready to be placed into action at any moment.
Those that have a history of severe allergic reactions will also be monitored for 30 minutes after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine for their safety. Everyone will be monitored for 15 minutes to ensure they do not have an allergic reaction.
CDC is monitoring for allergies
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring severe allergic reactions through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). This system allows the CDC to track if any of the vaccines cause immediate or serious allergic reactions.
VAERS is one of many reporting systems that tracks the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines. Dr. Belongia and his team conduct this type of research on many different types of vaccines every year.
For more information about allergies and the COVID-19 vaccine, talk to your doctor or go to this resource from the CDC.
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I have reacted to 5 medications that contained polyethylene glycol . The last time was to Claritin-D. As a result of my reaction I was hospitalized for a couple of days as my blood pressure was very elevated (over 300), my eyesight was terrible, and I ended up with double vision (still have). Not something I care to do again.
My mother-in-law was infected by the Lone Star tick and now has anaphylactic reactions to red meat (mammalian meat restriction). Is there any reason for her not to get vaccinated for COVID?
Hello Kathleen,
Thank you for reaching out. We recommend contacting your mother-in-law's health care provider directly regarding getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Due to his or her knowledge of your mother-in-law's medical history and past conditions, they can best advise you.
Thanks,
Jake
I am 64 with asthma was thinking about getting the shot. I am due for my second shingles shot on April 26. Will these shots re-act with each other.
Hi William – thank you for reaching out,
The CDC recommends individuals receive the COVID-19 vaccine alone, waiting at least 14 days before or after receiving any other vaccine. For questions on which vaccines are right for you, please talk with your primary care provider.
Hope that helps and that you have a great day,
Jake
Thank you for responding. Will the vaccine coordinator call me as a follow up to my question ir do I need to sign up somewhere?
Hi Cheryl,
If you would like to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine, you can call 877-998-0880 or fill out our online form located here: https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/MedicalSpecialties/Pages/COVID19-Vaccine-Survey.aspx
After that, a vaccine coordinator will reach out once an appointment is available.
Thank you and hope you have a great day,
Jake
I have had GBS
I’m not planning to get it. Isn’t that the best for me?
Hello Viv,
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cover this topic on the following webpage: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/guillain-barre-syndrome.html
Thank you and hope that helps,
Jake
I did share with my primary PA that I have many allergies including penicillin. I had a reaction to my flu shot this year and showed her a picture of my arm. I also explained that I had spoken to a pharmacist who had recommended getting the Johnson and Johnson vaccine instead of the Pfizer or Moderna. I asked how i could do that and she basically said I was on my own to figure that out. Is there any way to schedule getting the specific J and J vaccine through Marshfield.
Hello Cheryl,
Hope you are doing well.
When our appointment coordinators contact you to schedule your vaccine appointment, you should be able to discuss and request a specific vaccine.
Thank you and hope that helps,
Jake