Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccination Among Adults With a History of Allergic Reactions

The rate of allergic reactions to the Pfizer-BioNtech (BNT162b2) COVID-19 is higher among patients with allergies and those with high-risk allergies, according to new data.

To investigate allergic reactions, the researchers conducted a prospective cohort study from December 27, 2020, until February 22, 2021. Patients with a history of allergic reactions received a risk assessment questionnaire. Of the 8102 participants included in the study, 429 (5%) were considered “highly allergic” and were referred to be immunized under medical supervision. Of the 429 participants who were “highly allergic,” 304 (70.9%) were women. The average age of the participants who were “highly allergic” was 52 years.

After the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine, 420 participants (97.9%) had no immediate allergic reactions, 6 (1.4%) had developed minor allergic reactions, and 3 (0.7%) had anaphylactic reactions.

During the time of the study, half of the participants who were “highly allergic” received the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine, and 214 (98.2%) had no allergic reactions, while 4 participants (1.8%) had minor allergic reactions.

“This study suggests that most patients with a history of allergic diseases and, particularly, highly allergic patients can be safely immunized by using an algorithm that can be implemented in different medical facilities and includes a referral center, a risk assessment questionnaire, and a setting for immunization under medical supervision of highly allergic patients,” the researchers concluded.

—Jessica Bard

Reference

Shavit R, Maoz-Segal R, Iancovici-Kidon M, et al. Prevalence of allergic reactions after Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination among adults with high allergy risk. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(8):e2122255. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.22255