If I have any allergies, will I be allergic to the covid-19 vaccine?

Reality Team
February 6, 2021

The vaccine is safe for people with egg, nut, and pet allergies. It is also safe for people with allergies to oral medications.

Ingredients like egg whites are involved in the preparation of the vaccine but are not detectable in the final vaccine.

Who should worry: If you’ve had an immediate allergic reaction to another vaccine or injectable therapy for another disease, consult your doctor about this one. If you are allergic to polyethylene glycol (PEG), or polysorbate, do not get an mRNA based COVID-19 vaccine.

The rate of allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccines are around the same as for any other vaccine. Over 10 million doses of the vaccine have been administered to date. Only 45 severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) occurred. Only one fatality is currently credibly linked to a vaccine-related allergic reaction.

We will update this card as new information becomes available.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Allergic Reactions Including Anaphylaxis After Receipt of the First Dose of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine — United States, December 21, 2020–January 10, 2021. Weekly / January 29, 2021 / 70(4);125–129

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 Vaccines and Allergic Reactions. Updated Jan. 22, 2021

MarketWatch. CDC officials say people with history of allergic reactions should be monitored after receiving a COVID-19 shot. Last updated. Jan. 11, 2021.

Anaphylaxis Campaign. Covid-19 Vaccines and Allergies