While adverse reactions to Covid-19 vaccines can occur, the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (PSAAI) said that based on the current data, the benefits of these vaccines to the general public far outweigh the potential risks of developing adverse reactions and severe symptoms to the vaccines which may result in death.
PSAAI President and National Adverse Event Following Immunization Committee member Dr. Rommel Lobo said that the management of adverse reactions to vaccines like reactogenic reactions is done through supportive care.
A reactogenic reaction is an inflammatory response that occurs after vaccination. Mild allergic reactions can be treated with antihistamines. An allergic reaction or hypersensitivity reaction, on the other hand, is an exaggerated immune response to a usually harmless substance.
Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction), although rare, should be recognized and managed promptly with Epinephrine. Every patient should be observed for at least 30 minutes post-vaccination.
Fully equipped
He also emphasized that adverse reactions to vaccines can occur anytime, thus, the health-care facility should be fully equipped with emergency medications.
Reactogenic reactions are often mild and can subside within a few days with supportive care (paracetamol, NSAIDs, cold compress). Mild allergic reactions such as urticaria and rhinitis can be managed with antihistamines.
Anaphylaxis should be recognized and treated immediately with Epinephrine (1mg/mL) 0.3-0.5 mL intramuscularly at the mid antero-lateral thigh. Anaphylaxis may increase the risk of mortality if not treated promptly.
Other types of vaccine hypersensitivity reactions are managed usually in the hospital setting and controlled by oral or intravenous steroids, or other systemic immunomodulators, depending on the severity of the reaction.
Dr. Lobo said that patients with these reactions must be referred to an allergist for more extensive evaluation and management.
Antihistamines
Giving antihistamines and systemic corticosteroids as prophylaxis for vaccination is not consistently effective and often fails to prevent severe reactions and anaphylaxis.
Moreover, these medications may mask the early signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and delay the administration of epinephrine. Antipyretics and NSAIDs are likewise not recommended as prophylaxis for reactogenic reactions.
The PSAAI, in their statement stressed that there is a lack of data to recommend pharmacologic prophylaxis before vaccination.
“The only current contraindication to Covid-19 vaccination is an allergy to a previous dose of Covid-19 vaccine and any of its components,” the group added.
In general, he said, vaccines are safe and effective.
“Vaccination saves lives. For the Filipinos, we will only give vaccines that are proven to be safe and effective. And vaccination is free and will be made available for all Filipinos starting with high-risk sectors such as health workers and then senior citizens,” Dr. Lobo said during the DOH forum adding that majority of Covid-19 vaccine adverse reactions are mild.
Dr. Lobo also underscored the importance of monitoring after immunization and reporting of any adverse effect that may occur to your doctors.
“It doesn’t stop there [vaccination]. Right after that, you need to see your doctor for the progress is continuous. In fact, the follow-up should be longer so that if ever there is an adverse reaction, the doctor can determine if it is the effect of the vaccine or not,” Dr. Lobo concluded.
1 comment
Why in the world would any one take a Covid vaccine & risk adverse reaction & possible death when there is already a 99.8% recovery rate. Just like we take medicine for a cold or the flu that is what we should be doing for Covid not vaccines that can cause other health issues!