U.K. Says Those With Severe Allergy Should Avoid Pfizer

[left-of-center2012]

People with a significant history of allergies should not currently receive the Covid-19 vaccine from Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE, the U.K.’s National Health Service said, after two people experienced reactions from the shots.

The warning came a day after the U.K. became the first western nation to begin a Covid vaccination program, following approval of the shot last week by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. Thousands of people received vaccinations on Tuesday, according to the NHS.

“As is common with new vaccines, the MHRA have advised on a precautionary basis that people with a significant history of allergic reactions do not receive this vaccination,” Stephen Powis, national medical director for the NHS in England, said in a statement.

June Raine, chief executive of the MHRA, said her team looked at two case reports of allergic reactions on Tuesday evening. Both of the people, staff members of the NHS, are recovering well.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-09/u-k-says-those-with-severe-allergy-shouldn-t-get-pfizer-vaccine?srnd=politics-vp

[Pachamama]

1. Does that include allergies to bee venom?

A lot of people have allergic reactions to bee/wasp stings. I am wondering if that will be included.

[Mariana]

13. The guideline they issued seems pretty clear.

“As is common with new vaccines, the MHRA have advised on a precautionary basis that people with a significant history of allergic reactions do not receive this vaccination,” Stephen Powis, national medical director for the NHS in England, said in a statement.

[indigovalley]

2. I react to everything--likely this vaccine is not for me

I can't take any antibotics except Cipro without getting a good case of hives. I'm also allergic to some steroids, some foods, adhesive tape. hand lotion, preservatives--the list goes on forever.

I guess people like me may have to wait for the next types of vaccines that are coming up (different style than the Pfizer one). Gosh darn...

[GemDigger]

3. You aren't alone on the wait.

The only way I will take the vaccine is if it is done in the Dr's office ... just in case I do a kibby.

[Jirel]

4. Oh, bliss.

Not helpful. What are the components of the vaccine they're talking about? I can't do a tetanus vaccine, but no problems with others. So...

[Elwood P Dowd]

5. Damn, so I can't get it.

What the hell are us old folks with a dangerous allergy supposed to do now?

[Mariana]

14. Wait until they've sorted out what's causing the reaction, I suppose.

Or maybe until one of the other vaccines becomes available.

There are always some people who can't take vaccines for valid medical reasons.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

6. Exactly what kind of severe allergies?

I doubt my hayfever/allergies to various pollens counts, but specifics would be helpful.

[herding cats]

8. If you have to carry an epipen consult your doctor before taking the vaccine.

That's what I read.

[obamanut2012]

9. As per my doctor, you and I would be fine

It is allergic reactions where you need to carry an epi pen with you. So, my friend who reacts violently to certain perfumes and lobster is freaking that she may not be able to get iyt, but me, you, my sister, etc. should be okay.

[uponit7771]

7. Why didn't the 3rd stage testing pick up on this? Ria

[Disaffected]

10. Excellent question.

Did they screen those with severe allergies from the trials?

[Demsrule86]

12. Yes they did.

[herding cats]

15. Yes, but not in a way some think.

One of the exclusions from the trials was:

A history of severe adverse reactions associated with a vaccine and/or severe allergic reaction (eg, anaphylaxis) to any component of the study intervention(s).

Link to tweet

It was a disclosed exclusion, and not nefarious in anyway.

[Demsrule86]

11. That is because it had not been tested on those with allergies. It hasn't been tested on

pregnant women or kids either. It is likely fine for most folks.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

16. Here's another way to look at this.

As more and more people get vaccinated, there will be more and more adverse reactions. Which is not to say these vaccine should be taken off the market (so to speak), but to be realistic about the difference between clinical trials and the real world out there.