The FDA has issued Emergency Authorization Use (EUA) for both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID vaccines clearing them as being safe and effective, based on data obtained from clinical trials (over 40,000 participants in the Pfizer trials; and 30,000 in the Moderna trials). The roll out of both vaccines has been taking place for weeks now, with Pfizer initially and now Moderna. Since the start of the COVID vaccinations for our staff, we have experienced eight allergic reactions but none that required hospitalization, and all those with reactions have fully recovered. We have also arranged a consultation for these individuals with an allergist to ensure a plan of safety for their second dose.
Through a reporting system called VAERS, the CDC is actively tracking and investigating severe allergic reactions (e.g. anaphylaxis) to both vaccines. The CDC published data as follows for the Pfizer vaccine: 21 episodes of anaphylaxis in 1,893,360 vaccines given (which is 0.001%). This is a relatively small percentage so the CDC continues to promote the vaccine as being safe and critical to combating this pandemic.
As an added measure of safety, we ask staff vaccinated at our clinics to stay on-site for observation for at least 15 minutes after getting the vaccine to make sure they can be treated promptly and correctly if they experience a reaction. Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to any vaccine, injectable drug or food in the past are asked to stay for 30 minutes.