[ad_1]
secondary effect
Shock reaction after corona vaccination: but not all allergy sufferers are at risk
There are reports of allergic shocks after corona vaccines in Britain and the United States. Who is at risk and how great is the risk? We answer the most important questions.
Is there a risk of collapse after vaccination? Very few people are at high risk.
How common are severe allergic reactions after corona vaccines?
No reliable statement can be made from vaccine studies, as people with a known severe allergy to an ingredient were excluded. So far, two cases of severe allergic reactions are known in Great Britain and six in the United States, that is eight cases per several hundred thousand vaccines. Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier, head of the allergy ward at Zurich University Hospital, also says that sensitive allergic reactions to vaccines are extremely rare and are only expected in about 1 in 100,000 people.
What vaccines are affected?
The previous cases concerned the Biontech / Pfizer vaccine, which is also approved for Switzerland. There was also a case of a severe allergic reaction to Moderna’s vaccine.
How dangerous are these allergic reactions?
The most serious form, the so-called anaphylactic shock, can in the worst case cause circulatory failure and death. However, the body generally responds quickly to treatment, and symptoms can be well controlled.
When and how can I recognize the impact?
Typical symptoms are urticaria (an itchy rash), swelling of the face and lips, shortness of breath, circulatory problems, less often gastrointestinal upset, often several symptoms together. In case such symptoms appear quickly, a doctor should be contacted immediately. They can appear only a few minutes after vaccination, usually in less than half an hour. If you are unsure, you should stay in the place for half an hour after vaccination near medical personnel.
Many people suffer from one or another allergy. Who is particularly at risk?
According to allergist Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier, caution is advised with people who have already had a severe allergic reaction to an injected drug or such a reaction without an apparent cause. However, if you are allergic to insect bites, mites, pollen, or other medications that have not been injected, you are not particularly at risk.
I had sweats during previous vaccinations, turned pale or even passed out. Was it an allergic reaction?
No, these well-known autonomic nervous system symptoms have nothing to do with an allergy. Rather, they are instinctive reactions to the syringe. You are harmless; however, to avoid falls, susceptible people should stay near a place to lie down after vaccination.
What substance triggers the allergy?
A substance called polyethylene glycol (PEG) is suspected. Rare allergic reactions to PEG are known to other drugs that are injected. Of the vaccines planned for Switzerland so far, PEG is given in the already approved Biontech / Pfizer as well as Moderna, but not in the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Can’t people with suspected allergies get vaccinated?
Yes, there are safe options for them too. Or you can clarify beforehand with an allergy skin test if you really are allergic to PEG. Or they are waiting for the AstraZeneca vaccine, which does not contain PEG, to be approved.
Can the AstraZeneca vaccine contain other substances that can cause allergies?
Yes, that cannot be ruled out. Rare allergic reactions can occur if many people are vaccinated.
