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In Switzerland, individual cantons have started vaccinating against Covid-19. Some are happy, others are skeptical. Allergic people, for example, are restless. In Great Britain, the United States and Canada, a small number of people reacted allergic to the Pfizer / Biontech vaccine, which is now also used in Switzerland. Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier from the allergy station of the University Hospital Zurich gives the go-ahead: “Allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare.”
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Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier: Yes, vaccination is advisable for those affected. Patients with allergies to pollen, mites, or even food are not at any higher risk from the vaccine than the average population.
How can anyone Do you know if you are allergic to the vaccine or the excipient used by Pfizer / Biontech?
For one thing, if someone has already reacted to vaccinations with really serious allergic reactions (I’m thinking of hives, shortness of breath, or even circulatory collapse), then they should discuss it with the attending physician before getting vaccinated.
Many components of vaccines are incapable of causing allergies.
In general, allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare, especially dangerous ones. The ingredients in this vaccine, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), are generally not found in other vaccines. Therefore, of course, no one can know if he will react. But if someone has ever had a severe allergic reaction to an unknown substance that they injected, they should discuss it with the proper authority. In Zurich we solve it in such a way that a meeting with the allergy specialist or even a test will take place.
Has this substance been proven to cause allergic reactions?
At least in the UK cases, it appears to have been that component. But it must also be said: many components of vaccines are not capable of triggering allergies because they are too small and therefore out of the question for severe allergic reactions.
People with asthma are also concerned. What do you recommend?
I definitely recommend that patients with allergic asthma get vaccinated. Because a corona infection increases the risk that asthma will get worse, and that far outweighs the risk of an allergic reaction to this vaccine. Asthmatics with no history of reactions to vaccines should definitely get vaccinated.
When do allergic reactions to vaccines usually appear?
Serious and delicate reactions happen very quickly, usually within the first half hour or even faster. That is why we also advise patients who have already had sensitive reactions to other injected medications, for example, to monitor them a little more so that they remain in the healthcare area if something like this happens.
Interview conducted by Ivana Pribakovic.