“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?
Female | 13 years old
Complaint duration: 8 years
Medications: Occasional use of epipen. No meds
Conditions: Pet and nut allergy
2 Answers
PediatricEmergencyMedicineSpecialistPediatrician
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.
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
Carl Lauter, MD, MACP, FAAAAI, FIDSA
