Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => COVID-19 => Topic started by: katieHaylor on 03/02/2021 09:22:50

Title: I have several allergies, should I worry about taking the Covid-19 vaccine?
Post by: katieHaylor on 03/02/2021 09:22:50
Terri says:

I have several irritant allergies including dust and pets, but am also allergic to penicillin in that I develop a rash pretty much all over, and also I cannot use hair dye as I develop a swollen face and very sore, red and dry eyes for up to 3 months.

These weaknesses obviously make me anxious about taking a new vaccine, so your views would be welcome.
Title: Re: I have several allergies, should I worry about taking the Covid-19 vaccine?
Post by: set fair on 03/02/2021 11:31:04
There should be a NHS site for folks with such questions. The Pfizer BioNtech vaccine has caused anaphylactoid reactions. You will be asked, at the vaccine center, about allergies and probably specifically about penicillin allergy.
Title: Re: I have several allergies, should I worry about taking the Covid-19 vaccine?
Post by: Petrochemicals on 03/02/2021 16:53:16
Tell the immuniser. Consult your doctor, medical advice via the Internet is not recommended.
Title: Re: I have several allergies, should I worry about taking the Covid-19 vaccine?
Post by: katieHaylor on 08/02/2021 13:09:08
Daniel says:

I have looked at the COVID 19 Vaccination advice on my health authority’s website (https://sneevaccine.org.uk/what-you-need-to-know/faqs/).
From the FAQs:
QUESTION: I have a number of allergies, should I have the vaccine?

ANSWER:
“Tell staff before you are vaccinated if you have ever had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). You should not have the vaccine if you’ve ever had a serious allergic reaction to medicines, vaccines or food. If you do have a reaction to the vaccine, it usually happens in minutes. Staff giving the vaccine are trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.”

Some years ago, I had a severe allergic reaction to eating amber raspberries. I had some allergy tests which showed that I was mildly allergic to normal raspberries, tomatoes and mixed grasses. I was advised to carry an adrenalin pen just in case I suffered another allergic reaction. I have not had allergic reaction since then.

Considering my previous allergic reaction, should I have the Covid-19 vaccination? Personally, I think I am at greater risk from Covid because of my other health conditions (asthma (very mild), arthritis (very mild), ulcerative colitis (mild - moderate), eosinophilic oesophagitis (mild), lycans sclerosis (mild)) than I am from an allergic reaction to the vaccine, but I have no way of quantifying this. I should mention that I am isolating, but I don't think that this something I can continue to do for the rest of my life, if I am not vaccinated.
Title: Re: I have several allergies, should I worry about taking the Covid-19 vaccine?
Post by: katieHaylor on 16/02/2021 11:58:25
Erica says:

I have hypothyroidism, hypertension, bradycardia and gastric problems.

I'm allergic to all penicillin and tetracyclines as well as vibramycin, diclofenac & ibuprofen.
I've also had reactions to a tetanus booster and local anaesthetics such as lidocaine & citanest.

Because of this I'm now very anxious about any new drug or injection I'm given.

I believe the MHRA have advised people with a history of pre-existing allergies or reactions not to have the Pfizer injection. Valneva are developing one for vulnerable groups and children however l don't know when this will be ready or indeed if it will be safe.

I'm aware of the Oxford/AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccinations but hear and read things which seem to contradict each other.

Title: Re: I have several allergies, should I worry about taking the Covid-19 vaccine?
Post by: evan_au on 16/02/2021 21:21:27
Quote from: Daniel
a severe allergic reaction to eating amber raspberries.
Last I heard, they weren't using amber raspberries in the vaccine (or even regular raspberries), so you are probably quite safe.
- Just tell the staff before you get vaccinated
- And take your epi-pen just in case of the unlikely event...
Title: Re: I have several allergies, should I worry about taking the Covid-19 vaccine?
Post by: JTapner on 17/02/2021 17:10:45
Yes, allergy to penicillins is not a contraindication to the Pfizer/BioNTech or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine or Moderna vaccine

If you have a history of immediate onset anaphylaxis to multiple classes of drugs or unexplained anaphylaxis
Title: Re: I have several allergies, should I worry about taking the Covid-19 vaccine?
Post by: AtkinBailey on 17/02/2022 09:57:08
you discussion is very use full to us.