People with severe allergies are being asked to use caution when offered the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine after two NHS staff fell ill after receiving the jab.
The healthcare workers, both of whom suffered severe allergies and had to carry Epi-pens, fell ill shortly after receiving the vaccination yesterday.
Both are recovering and their condition is not thought to be serious. They are thought to have suffered symptoms of anaphylaxis
The NHS has issued a warning to all trusts where the vaccine is currently being offered to advise patients who suffer from allergies that they might want to avoid the jab.
Professor Stephen Powis said: “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 after two people with a history of significant allergic reactions responded adversely yesterday. Both are recovering well.”
The official guidance from the MHRA says: “”Any person with a history of a significant allergic reaction to a vaccine, medicine or food (such as previous history of anaphylactoid reaction or those who have been advised to carry an adrenaline autoinjector) should not receive the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine.
“Resuscitation facilities should be available at all times for all vaccinations. Vaccination should only be carried out in facilities where resuscitation measures are available.”
The agency is thought to be monitoring the roll-out of the drug carefully to avoid any incidents that could damage public confidence in the innoculation.
