COVID-19 mRNA (non-anaphylactic) immediate vaccine reactions

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Mon, 04/05/2021 - 17:02

Lindsey M Eick

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Last seen: 3 months 1 week ago

Joined: 07/12/2018 - 14:13

COVID-19 mRNA (non-anaphylactic) immediate vaccine reactions

Hi All
We have several mass vaccination sites up and running and we are starting to see quite a few PSI's related to the 1st dose of vaccine. There have been quite a few errors reported of immediate, non-anaphylactic reactions such as itchy throat, flushing, hives etc requiring 25-50 mg of diphenhydramine.

Per the CDC, 'If you had an immediate allergic reaction after getting a shot of a COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get a second shot of that vaccine, even if your allergic reaction was not severe enough to require emergency care. If the reaction was after an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), you should not get a second shot of either of these vaccines. An immediate allergic reaction happens within 4 hours of getting vaccinated and may include symptoms such as hives, swelling, and wheezing (respiratory distress). Your doctor may refer you to a specialist in allergies and immunology to provide more care or advice.'

How are others handling these non-life threatening reactions? Are you guys documenting an allergy to the vaccine and NOT scheduling the 2nd dose? Or are you continuing with the vaccination series and having patients do a 30 minute observation.

Thanks!
Lindsey

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