Is it safe for a child with allergies to get the Covid vaccine?

Is it safe for a child with allergies to get the Covid vaccine?

My 13 year old grandchild has a pet and nut allergy and carries an EpiPen. Should she get the Covid vaccine?

2 Answers

Dr. Catherine Remus

Pediatrician

Saint Louis, MO

Yes - unless someone is allergic specifically to one of the ingredients in the vaccine (very rare), allergies are not a contraindication for the covid vaccine.

Carl Lauter

Infectious Disease Specialist

Royal Oak, MI

Unless the allergies are anaphylaxis to a prior vaccine, there is no problem with getting the Pfizer vaccine. If there was anaphylaxis to a prior vaccine, an allergist should be consulted to evaluate first. Most such patients can also be vaccinated, but an allergist should be involved. Our goal is to vaccinate our kids and not find excuses that are not a concern - but safety first.

Carl Lauter, MD, MACP, FAAAAI, FIDSA