The first of the 40 million Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines secured by the Government have been sent out to hospitals across the UK this week. Thousands of those at the top of the vaccination priority list are expected to receive the jab in the coming weeks. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said there had been two reports of anaphylaxis and one report of a possible allergic reaction since rollout began earlier this week.
Anaphylaxis is defined by the NHS as a “severe and potentially life-threatening reaction to a trigger such as an allergy”.
The head of the MHRA, Dr June Raine, said: “Any person with a history of anaphylaxis to a vaccine, medicine or food should not receive the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine.
“A second dose should not be given to anyone who has experienced anaphylaxis following administration of the first dose of this vaccine.
“Anaphylaxis is a known, although very rare, side effect with any vaccine.
“Most people will not get anaphylaxis and the benefits in protecting people against Covid-19 outweigh the risks.”
Dr Raine added the UK “can be completely confident” that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has met the regulatory agency’s “robust standards of safety, quality and effectiveness”.
Dr Raine added: “Anyone due to receive their vaccine should continue with their appointment and discuss any questions or medical history of serious allergies with the healthcare professional prior to getting the jab.”
A small number of allergic reactions were reported during the Pfizer/BioNTech phase three trials.
Peter Openshaw, past-president of the British Society for Immunology and professor of experimental medicine at Imperial College London, said there is “a very small chance” of an allergic reaction with any vaccine.
He added: “However, it is important that we put this risk in perspective.
“The occurrence of any allergic reaction was one of the factors monitored in the phase three clinical trial of this Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, the detailed data from which was released yesterday.
“In this, they reported a very small number of allergic reactions in both the vaccine and placebo groups (0.63 percent and 0.51 percent).
“Similar to the rollout of all new vaccines and medications, this new Covid-19 vaccine is being monitored closely by the MHRA.”
Can you have the Covid vaccine if you are allergic to penicillin?
Currently the MRHA is advising anyone with a history of anaphylaxis or severe allergic reactions not to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
Dr David Thompson from Medic Testing told Express.co.uk: “Within hours of rolling out the new Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine there have been warnings regarding those with allergies receiving the vaccine.
“Penicillin allergies can range from very mild to life threatening, current guidance is that only people with ‘significant allergic reactions’ should avoid the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine.
“Currently the MHRA has specifically stated that if you have a history of anaphylaxis, to a vaccine, medicine or food you should not receive the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine.
“There has been no comments so far regarding allergies and the development of other COVID-19 vaccines.”
Dr Thompson added: “Penicillin does not form part of the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine.
“However, a vaccine works through stimulating your immune system.
“The MHRA has warned that those with severe allergic reactions, such as a severe penicillin allergy, may be at risk of having an allergic response to the vaccine.”
