The new safety concerns over the COVID-19 vaccine are emerging after some people reported experiencing allergic reactions shortly after getting the first dose of this vaccine. But health experts believe that any side effects of these vaccines are extremely rare and even if it shows up, it is easy to treat it. Still, people are showing a mixed response on the question of getting their next shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The approval of the COVID-19 vaccine has brought relief knowing that a vaccine that can save from this pandemic is finally here. But the risk of an allergic reaction by the COVID-19 vaccine is still there. Although some people have experienced it already the risk of getting these side effects is minimal. According to health experts, only 1 in 100,000 people suffer from an allergic reaction.
Also read- Doctors Warn for the Signs of Omega-3 Deficiency During Pandemic
Right now, U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency authorization to two vaccine companies.
- Pfizer-BioNTech (recommended for over 16 years of age and up to 95% efficient)
- Moderna-NIAID (recommended for over 18 years of age and up to 94.1% efficient)
The minor allergic reactions caused by any vaccine including the COVID-19 vaccine are not a problem. These vaccines are injected as a part of saving a large number of people from a pandemic and the severity of these side effects is not something that should affect the decision of getting this vaccine.
All previous vaccines also reported minor side effects but considering the after-effects, it appears that getting the vaccine on time is probably the best decision one can make. These allergic reactions are very rare and most people only experience itching, burning, or a rash at the site of injection which goes away on its own. There is no medicine or treatment required for these allergic reactions by the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has reported ten extreme cases of anaphylaxis after they were given the first dose of the Moderna vaccine. They showed up within 15 minutes of receiving the vaccine and none of them died.
A recent study has evaluated the Pfizer vaccine and estimates the possibility of anaphylaxis after receiving this vaccine to extremely rare. According to the research team, the chances to experience a severe allergic reaction from the Pfizer vaccine can show up in 11 out of one million doses. Most of these reactions show up within 15 mins of getting the vaccine.
Also read- Thymus Gland Can Save a Pregnant Woman from a Miscarriage
Other allergic reactions linked with the COVID-19 vaccine include the following.
- Hives on skin
- Skin rashes
- Itchiness and dryness
- Swelling of lips or tongue
- Swelling of throat
Even if someone gets caught up by an allergic reaction the healthcare units are all set to treat him on an emergency basis. Those who are given the vaccine are requested to wait for 15 mins after receiving the injection to observe any reactions. Health experts request patients not to fear and change their decision on getting coronavirus vaccine. First, this chance is extremely rare and even if it occurs, all medical centers are ready to treat it on a priority basis.
