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UK warning as Pfizer coronavirus vaccine triggers allergic reaction

The Pfizer-BioNtech coronavirus vaccine has hit an early hurdle after two people receiving the jab in Britain suffered allergic reactions.

A woman receives a COVID-19 vaccine in Truro, Britain. Picture: Getty Images
A woman receives a COVID-19 vaccine in Truro, Britain. 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 Britain suffered allergic reactions.

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

But their reactions to the vaccine have prompted British regulators to warn that people with a history of significant allergic reactions currently should not receive the Pfizer-BioNTech 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.

NHS England medical director Stephen Powis said: “As is common with new vaccines the (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has) 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 in people with serious allergies has added to the hesitancy of the public to have the vaccine. Polls have shown more than a third of the population have indicated some reservations about being inoculated.

Read related topics:Coronavirus

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/uk-warning-as-pfizer-coronavirus-vaccine-triggers-allergic-reaction/news-story/7210423cd686e9ed5d7ed645ab71ce63