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.
ASCIA 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:
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2. VACCINATE WITH PRECAUTIONS* |
* Precautions:
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3. VACCINATION CONTRAINDICATED |
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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:
- gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
- https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-levels-and-updates/current-alert-level/
© ASCIA 2021
ASCIA is the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand