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Guide: Allergy and COVID-19 Vaccination

Updated 20 September 2021:   

This Guide is based on the current knowledge regarding COVID-19 vaccines available in Australia, and is updated when new information is available. There is no evidence that people with allergy and other immune system disorders are at any greater risk of COVID-19 vaccine allergy than the general population.

pdfASCIA HP Guide Allergy COVID-19 Vaccination 2021-09-2050.64 KB

1. VACCINATE WITHOUT ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS 

Vaccinate in the community as per national recommendations, with a post-vaccination observation period of 15 minutes. This includes people with:

  • History of allergy, including anaphylaxis to food, drugs, venom, or latex.
  • Allergic conditions, including asthma, atopic dermatitis (eczema) or allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

2. VACCINATE WITH PRECAUTIONS* 
  • Immediate (within four hours) and generalised symptoms of a possible allergic reaction without anaphylaxis to a previous dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Generalised allergic reaction (without anaphylaxis) to one of the ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccine to be administered (Pfizer or Moderna - PEG or AstraZeneca - Polysorbate 80).
  • Prior history of anaphylaxis to previous vaccines and/or multiple drugs (injectable and/or oral) where the ingredients PEG or polysorbate 80 may conceivably be the cause and have not been tolerated since on medication review.
  • A history of confirmed Mastocytosis with recurrent anaphylaxis that requires treatment.

* Precautions:

  • Review or discussion prior to vaccination by a clinical immunology/allergy or vaccinology specialist, to develop a risk/benefit assessment for each patient.
  • Skin testing to the vaccine and/or graded doses should be considered in some cases.
  • Vaccination in a medical facility equipped for the management of anaphylaxis (such as a medical clinic with multiple doctors available, or a hospital clinic).
  • Post-vaccination observation period should be at least 30 minutes.

 3. VACCINATION CONTRAINDICATED
  • Documented anaphylaxis to one of the ingredients contained in the COVID-19 vaccine to be administered (Pfizer or Moderna - PEG or AstraZeneca - Polysorbate 80).
  • Anaphylaxis to a prior dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccine side effects indicate the start of an immune response, not an allergic reaction:

  • Some people will get mild, short-term side effects from vaccination, including injection site reactions, fever, joint pain, muscle aches, fatigue, headaches, or worsened eczema a day after vaccination.
  • These common side effects indicate the start of an immune response, not an allergic reaction, which are rare. Side effects do not usually require treatment other than paracetamol for fever or discomfort.

Note: Anaphylaxis with one type of COVID-19 vaccine may not preclude vaccination with another vaccine, but this should only occur if the precautions listed above are met. If there is a high risk of an allergic reaction to one of the vaccines (e.g. known allergy to PEG or Polysorbate 80), it may be possible to have another vaccine which does not contain the ingredient, subject to availability and medical advice.

Information from the Australian and New Zealand Governments regarding COVID-19 outbreaks and vaccines is available at: 

© ASCIA 2021

ASCIA is the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand