Allergic Reactions to Pfizer Vaccine Also Reported in the US... "Biden to Get Vaccinated as Early as Next Week"

Anaphylaxis Reactions Including Flushing and Dyspnea Occur
Unlike UK, Happens in People Without Allergy History
US Presidential Transition Team "Biden Expected to Receive Public Vaccination Next Week"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] A case of an allergic reaction after receiving Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine has been reported in the United States. Unlike the allergic cases previously reported in the United Kingdom, the reaction occurred in a person without a history of allergies, prompting U.S. health authorities to launch an investigation. Amid growing concerns about vaccine side effects, President-elect Joe Biden is expected to receive a public vaccination as early as next week.

According to foreign media including The New York Times (NYT) on the 16th (local time), a healthcare worker in Alaska who received Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine developed flushing and shortness of breath just 10 minutes after vaccination, showing an anaphylactic reaction, and was transported to the emergency room. The healthcare worker was stabilized after receiving an epinephrine injection, an allergy treatment, immediately after being transported, and is expected to be discharged soon, NYT reported. It is known that this healthcare worker had no previous history of allergic reactions. Anaphylactic reactions can occur due to food, drugs, etc., and symptoms include hives, flushing, vomiting, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties.

Earlier, on the 8th, two National Health Service (NHS) staff members in the United Kingdom also experienced anaphylactic reactions immediately after receiving Pfizer's vaccine. However, these staff members all had a history of severe allergic reactions. Following these reports, UK health authorities suspended vaccinations for people with a history of allergies.

As allergic reactions have now appeared in individuals without prior allergy history, U.S. health authorities have begun an investigation. According to CNBC, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Pfizer plan to conduct a joint investigation. Pfizer announced in a statement that it will add warnings about anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions to the vaccine product label.

Amid expected growing concerns about vaccine side effects, President-elect Biden is reportedly planning to get vaccinated. According to CNN, a member of Biden's presidential transition team stated, "President-elect Biden plans to receive the vaccine as early as next week." Biden has previously stated that he will publicly receive the vaccine to dispel safety concerns.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.