Just a really quick blog post because I’ve seen the news that people who are at risk of anaphylaxis are being turned away from getting the booster vaccine and also are too scared to risk getting it anyway due to previous fears of anaphylactic reactions. I’ve just had mine and here’s my story, explaining why and how for me it was completely safe.
A Crisis in the allergic community
People are scared. People are being refused at the vaccine centres and people are also putting off going for their booster. To find out why read, Covid19 booster crisis for people with allergies from Allergy UK.
The first two vaccines I had were Astra Zeneca, for this very reason. I was advised not to get the Pfizer vaccine but instead to opt for Astra Zeneca. My GP was very helpful in researching the ingredients and putting my mind at rest, as were the amazing staff who administered the injections.
There is no Astra Zeneca booster vaccine
The fear comes in because there doesn’t seem to be a booster vaccine from Astra Zeneca, so you have to have the Pfizer vaccine. Having previously been advised not to have the Pfizer vaccine my brain was in a whirl.
But that previous advice was just precautionary whilst experts tried to figure out what was causing those unexplained anaphylactic reactions.
I just wanted to share that despite having the risk of anaphylaxis I was absolutely fine. Some of the my previous allergic anaphylactic reactions were unexplained ones in hospital and may have been caused by medications, something in a drip or latex exposure, although not to any drugs similar to the vaccine.
I was frightened going in for the booster jab but the staff were amazing. One lady even checked up on me regularly while I sat in the waiting area, a special place set aside for anyone who may be at risk of an adverse reaction. I think I must have looked anxious but this was more do with being uncomfortable with my mask and skin than fear of anaphylaxis at the time.
Thankfully nothing happened at all, I was fine. And apart from a very sore arm I had very few symptoms afterwards. I think I had a bit of a headache but nothing that even required pain killers.
So I am now double jabbed and boosted and feeling much safer for it.
Please don’t be worried if you also have experienced anaphylaxis to food in the past. You should be fine with the Pfizer vaccine.
Obviously I’m not a medical professional so I would advise that you check with your GP before booking your booster jab, just to be safe.
Recent guidance states that, “The only people who need to seek further advice before they get the booster are those who have had an immediate anaphylaxis to MULTIPLE unrelated medicines that contain Polyethylene glycol (PEG/Macrogol).”
If that applies to you and you are allergic to Polyethylene glycol or you are not sure what you reacted to, please get advice before booking a booster vaccine.
But otherwise you should be perfectly fine. Check out this great blog, The Pfizer booster jab is safe for those with anaphylaxis by the brilliant Michelle Berriedale-Johnson.
And if you’d like an insight into the anxiety I face when going for things like this vaccine, partly due to my anxiety over masks, antibacterial gel and anaphylaxis read, Eczema and TSW – Pros and Cons of face masks.
I’d love to hear from anyone else who’s had the Pfizer vaccine. Stay safe everyone xxx
Photo by Zoltán Bencze from Pexels
glad you have had your booster. .the problem for me and possibly other allergics is the incipients in the vaccine. I am very wary of PEGS and of course sugar. which are both in the vaccine. I haven’t eaten refined white sugar or any derivative of corn ,which PEG is possible made from, for over 30 years, after being very unwell on my elimination diet.. I have asked for a skin test but to no avail, nobody seems to care. I have had a life of medical mistakes because of ignorance of allergies and cannot have another..
Look at the annual report of Allergy UK just published. It is damming about the lack of help and progress being made by the government and the NHS. for allergy diagnosis and treatment. Happy Christmas, Jacquie
It really is a worry. I’d say keep pushing and old fire if you are concerned. Definitely don’t risk further health set backs. I was so scared going for mine. Having had my own health disasters I’m not sure how I’d have coped with anything else to contend with. I hope you are well Jacquie and thanks again for your continued support of my blog.