Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine warning after UK allergic reactions

Pfizer-BioNtech coronavirus vaccine hits early hurdle in UK after two people receiving the jab suffered allergic reactions.

Doreen Brown receives the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine jabs at Guy's Hospital in London earlier this week. Picture: Getty Images

The Pfizer BioNtech coronavirus vaccine has hit an early hurdle after two people receiving the jab on the first day of the public rollout across the United Kingdom suffered allergic reactions.

The two were health staff workers with significant histories of allergic reactions, requiring both to carry adrenaline.

But their reactions to the vaccine have prompted UK regulators to warn that people who have a history of significant allergic reactions should not currently receive the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

All of the National Health Service trusts dispensing the vaccine through 70 hospitals and centres have been notified of the need to question people about their history of reaction to medicines, food or vaccines.

The mass roll out of the new coronavirus vaccine in the UK was cause for celebration this time yesterday - today, it comes with a warning for anyone with severe allergies.

It’s after two NHS workers who have had reactions to it.@tessa5news | #5News pic.twitter.com/zr75kwgM6W

— Channel 5 News (@5_News) December 9, 2020

Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England medical director said: “As is common with new vaccines the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) have advised on a precautionary basis that people with a significant history of allergic reactions do not receive this vaccination after two people with a history of significant allergic reactions responded adversely yesterday.” He added: “Both are recovering well.”

However the sudden emergence of problems with people who have serious allergies has added to the hesitancy of the public to come forward and have the vaccine. Polls have shown more than one-third of the population have indicated some reservations about being inoculated.

But health officials believe more than a 400,000 people, mainly the elderly, those who dispense the vaccines and care home workers will be vaccinated by the end of the year.