GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. — The only people who need to be concerned about whether or not to get the COVID-19 vaccine, are those with very specific, life-threatening allergic reactions.
Doctor Sara Uekert with Grand Rapids Allergy clarifies: the only people who need to be worried, are those with a history of anaphylaxis with no known cause, and those who have previously experienced reactions to inject-able medications and vaccines.
“We’ve had people calling. There’s been concern on the news, that if you carry an EpiPen, if you have a history of anaphylaxis, to be concerned about getting a vaccine,” Uekert said.
That's not the case. If you have an EpiPen for a peanut allergy, you're probably okay to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
She does, however, say those with a known reaction to a specific ingredient in the vaccine should take caution.
“The one concern would be if you had a reaction to polyethylene glycol, it’s suspected that might be the source to the reaction that previous individuals had to the vaccine,” Uekert said.
Those with a history of common allergies, even to things like oral medications, should be good to go, says Uekert, and if you're concerned, it's still always best to ask your doctor about your specific case.
