New review shows low risk of having a second allergic reaction to COVID-19 vaccination
- 23 February 2022
- News
New research has shown that the risk of having an immediate severe allergic reaction to a second dose of an mRNA covid vaccine (e.g. Pfizer or Moderna in the UK) if you had an allergic reaction to your first dose is very low.
The research was a systematic review which means the researchers looked at 22 studies that have already been done. They analysed results from 1,366 people who had had an immediate allergic reaction to their first dose of covid vaccine. They were given a second dose supervised by an allergy specialist. 1,360 people tolerated their second dose with 232 having some mild symptoms.
Only six people out of the 1360 had an immediate severe allergic reaction, and five recovered very quickly after being given adrenaline and one recovered without any treatment.
The research paper reinforces the safety of revaccination for those who had a reaction to their initial covid-19 vaccination.
For further guidance on when to seek specialist allergy advice if you have experienced an allergic reaction to covid vaccination see our Covid-19 vaccine and allergy FAQ and current Green Book Guidance (page 37)
You can also read the full research review online.
