What to know about COVID-19 vaccines and immunotherapy
We have asked our own doctor Adriana Bonansea-Frances, MD, PhD
Is the vaccine safe if I suffer from immune deficiencies or asthma?
The mRNA vaccine is safe and recommended if diagnosed with these ailments because the mRNA vaccine is not a live virus.
The following people can get a COVID-19 vaccine:
• People with medical conditions
• People who are immunocompromised or immunosuppressed
• Pregnant and lactating (nursing) people
• People with allergies to food, pets, insects, venom, pollen, dust, latex, and oral medicines
• People with a non-serious allergy to other vaccines or injectable medicines
Is the vaccine safe if I suffer from allergies?
mRNA COVID-19 vaccines may be given to people with underlying medical conditions provided they have not had a severe or immediate allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Janssen J&J vaccines, such as polyethylene glycol or polysorbate.
These vaccines are free of egg, gelatin, latex, or preservatives. All COVID-19 vaccines are also free from metals such as iron, nickel, cobalt, lithium.
Before vaccination you may be asked about your allergy history: If you have a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), you may be monitored up to 30 minutes after the shot.
I am allergic to eggs, can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes, because the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J) do not contain eggs or gelatin, persons with allergies to these substances do not have a contraindication or precaution to vaccination.
Some people should discuss risks and benefits with their doctor before getting a COVID-19 vaccine:
• People with a moderate or acute (short-term) illness (such as the flu), acute episode of asthma or symptoms such as fever
• People with a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to another vaccine or injectable medicines
• Anyone who has had a severe or immediate allergic reaction to previous dose or any ingredient (also called “excipients” or “components”) of a COVID-19 vaccine
When can I get COVID-19 vaccine after receiving my allergy shot?
There is no interference between the vaccine and immunotherapy but for patients under immunotherapy (allergy shots) it is recommended that the allergy shot and the vaccine be administered at least 24 hours apart.
Resources:
- https://community.aafa.org/blog/the-covid-19-vaccine-what-we-know-so-far
- https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/covid-19-vaccines-us.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fvaccines%2Fcovid-19%2Finfo-by-product%2Fclinical-considerations.html
