Allergy sufferers and COVID-19: Am I eligible for the vaccine?
In the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, getting vaccinated is crucial for building immunity and reducing the risk of severe illness. For individuals with seasonal allergies, there are no known increased risks associated with the vaccines. However, it's essential to consider the timing and potential interactions with allergy treatments.
If you're due to start a new course of Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT), Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT), or Oral Immunotherapy (OIT), it's recommended to delay your treatment until a week after your second vaccination. This allows for clear distinction between any side effects caused by the vaccine or the treatment.
For those who regularly use nasal sprays for allergies or over-the-counter allergy medication like Zyrtec, there's no need to stop taking them when getting the vaccine. However, preemptively taking OTC pain medications and anti-inflammatories can potentially interfere with the vaccine's effectiveness, so it's best to avoid them unless they're part of your regular regimen.
Approximately 81 million people in the United States received a diagnosis for seasonal allergies in 2021, and around a quarter of U.S. adults and a fifth of U.S. children experience seasonal allergies. This highlights the importance of understanding the vaccination process for this large demographic.
The COVID-19 vaccine is not a live virus and is safe for people with immunodeficiency, asthma, or mast cell disorder. However, if you're allergic to certain ingredients found in some types of COVID-19 vaccine, such as polysorbate, it's crucial to discuss your options with your doctor.
Individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccine components should consult healthcare providers before vaccination. For added precaution, doctors may recommend monitoring you for up to 30 minutes after receiving the vaccination if you have a history of severe allergic reactions, an immediate reaction to the vaccine, or a mild reaction to a previous COVID-19 vaccine.
For people undergoing Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (AIT) treatment, it's essential to space your allergy treatments and COVID-19 vaccinations by about a week or follow your provider's guidance to avoid confusion over side effects.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for people with allergies, unless they have an allergy related to vaccines or injectable medications. The vaccine is recommended for people with seasonal allergies and other allergies related to environmental factors, pets, food, latex, or venom.
In the event of an allergic reaction, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention. If someone experiences symptoms of anaphylaxis after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, they should use an epinephrine pen, call 911 or the nearest emergency department, assist the person in moving from a sitting position to lying down, and stay with them until the emergency services arrive.
As official specific timing guidelines between COVID-19 vaccines and allergen immunotherapy are not clearly outlined, consulting a healthcare provider knowledgeable in immunotherapy and vaccinations is recommended for personalized advice.
For those who have allergy shots for seasonal allergies, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) recommends waiting 48 hours between their last shot and the vaccine, in case a reaction occurs.
Ultimately, COVID-19 vaccination helps the body build up protection against the virus and reduces the chance of severe illness and hospitalization. Severe allergic reactions, or anaphylaxis, to the COVID-19 vaccination are rare, with these reactions occurring in around 2 cases per million vaccines given.
- In the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, getting vaccinated is crucial for building immunity and reducing the risk of severe illness.
- For individuals with seasonal allergies, there are no known increased risks associated with the vaccines, but the timing and potential interactions with allergy treatments need to be considered.
- If you're due to start a new course of Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT), Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT), or Oral Immunotherapy (OIT), it's recommended to delay your treatment until a week after your second vaccination.
- The COVID-19 vaccine is not a live virus and is safe for people with immunodeficiency, asthma, or mast cell disorder, but if you're allergic to certain ingredients found in some types of COVID-19 vaccine, a discussion with your doctor is crucial.
- People with a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccine components should consult healthcare providers before vaccination, as doctors may recommend monitoring for up to 30 minutes after receiving the vaccination.
- For people undergoing Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (AIT) treatment, it's essential to space your allergy treatments and COVID-19 vaccinations by about a week or follow your provider's guidance to avoid confusion over side effects.
