Is the corona vaccine safe if you have had an allergic reaction to the flu vaccine?
Many people have questions about the vaccination against the coronavirus. We also received a lot of questions about the corona vaccine and allergic reactions. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.
1. Can you also be allergic to a corona vaccine if you are allergic to an antibiotic?
People with an allergy to medication, such as antibiotics, are not more likely to have an allergic reaction to the corona vaccine. Only if you have an allergy to the excipients polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysorbate, you should not just get the vaccine. Or if you previously had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine. You can usually still get the vaccine. But if this is the case, it is best to get vaccinated under the supervision of your doctor at an outpatient clinic. Are you in doubt? Always consult your (GP) doctor first.
2. Can you also have an allergic reaction to the corona vaccine if you have a food allergy, such as peanuts?
According to the Dutch Association for Allergology and Clinical Immunology (NVvAKI), this is possible, but research has shown that serious allergic reactions to the vaccine are rare. You do not have an increased risk of a reaction from the corona vaccine. If you have had (serious) allergic reactions to a certain food in the past, you can safely get vaccinated. More information about the safety of the corona vaccine can be found on the websites of the RIVM and the central government.
3. Is the corona vaccine safe if you have had an allergic reaction to the flu vaccine?
If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine, you should not be vaccinated. It is known that the chance of an allergic reaction is greater if you previously had a serious allergic reaction to a vaccine, for example the flu vaccine. Check out the components of the corona vaccine and if you’re not sure, talk to your doctor first to see if it’s safe for you. Everyone is advised to stay at the injection site for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine. This is to ensure that people do not suffer from the vaccine. If you had a serious allergic reaction after the first corona vaccination, the second shot should not be given.
More information about the components of the corona vaccine can be found in the Pfizer/BioNTech package insert and in the package leaflet of Moderna.
4. How can you be vaccinated safely if you often have an allergic reaction?
The chance of an allergic reaction is very small. Until now, very few people have had an allergic reaction. If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine, you should not be vaccinated. It is known that the risk of an allergic reaction is greater if you have previously had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine or if you are allergic to the excipient polyethylene glycol (PEG). Most people who have had this can get the corona vaccine. Consult with your allergist whether the vaccine can be given to you in small steps, for example. Everyone is advised to stay at the injection site for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine. This is to ensure that people do not suffer from the vaccine. If you had a serious allergic reaction after the first corona vaccination, the second shot should not be given.
5. I wear an epipen, because I can have an allergic reaction to a wasp sting. What are my risks with the vaccines?
You should not be vaccinated unless you are allergic to any component of the vaccine. The ingredients can be found in the package leaflet of the vaccines. You can find the package leaflet of the corona vaccine from Pfizer/BioNTech containing the ingredients here and that of the Moderna vaccine find you here.
6. Can you be vaccinated if you are allergic to NSAIDs?
The following also applies to this question: only if you are allergic to a component of the vaccine.
