New Study on Allergic Reactions to the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

covid vaccine

Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report of severe allergic reactions to the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine that happened as of January 10, 2021. These findings suggest that these allergic reactions are extremely rare. The full article can be found here. This article will summarize the findings of this new study on allergic reactions to the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

How often did allergic reactions occur?

A summary of the study is as follows:

  • As of January 10, 2021, 4,041,316 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine were given.
  • There were 1,266 (0.03%) adverse events reported.
  • There were 108 cases of possible allergic reactions.
  • Overall, 10 cases were determined to be anaphylaxis. Most of these reactions occurred within 30 minutes of vaccine administration.

The rate of anaphylaxis to this point is estimated to be 2.5 per 1 million doses. Of the 10 people who experienced anaphylaxis after the vaccine was administered, five people had a history of anaphylaxis. Of these 10 people who experienced anaphylaxis, all of them recovered.

Putting these reactions into context

This report shows that the rate of severe allergic reactions to this vaccine are very rare. The rate of anaphylaxis to the influenza vaccine and intravenous penicillin is 1 per 1 million doses. When combining the previous report of the severe allergic reactions to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, the overall rate is approximately 5 per 1 million doses. The image below puts into context the rate of anaphylaxis to this vaccine compared to the death rate in the United States.

Death from COVID-19 in populations at high risk is very significant, and treatment options are limited. Therefore, this new study on allergic reactions to the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine continues to affirm that the benefits of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine outweighs the known and potential risks.

As more information becomes available, Oak Brook Allergists will continue to update you with this important subject. If you have any further questions, call us at (630) 574-0460, or use our online appointment request tool.