Can you get the COVID vaccine if you have allergies?
This question was answered live at the virtual conference titled, "Don’t Hesitate to Vaccinate! Our Experts Tell You Why" recorded on January 28, 2021.
Short Answer:
Consult with your doctor
Explanation:
You can likely still get the vaccine, it's just a matter of your doctor to find out at what level of risk you are. For example, If you have a reaction to food, you can get the COVID vaccine. The waiting time is 15 minutes. If you have a reaction to injectable products, the waiting time increases to 30 minutes.
So, first check with your doctor and get the recommendations from there.
Nevertheless, the CDC recommends that people with a history of severe allergic reactions not related to vaccines or injectable medications—such as food, pet, venom, environmental, or latex allergies—get vaccinated. People with a history of allergies to oral medications or a family history of severe allergic reactions may also get vaccinated.
Presenters include:
Dr. Jamal Gwathney, Clinical Director, Metropolitan Correctional Center, San Diego Federal Bureau of Prisons; National Public Health Officer
Dr. Rodney Hood, President and Chairman, Multicultural Health Foundation, and Tri-Chair, COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee
Dr. Wilma Wooten, Public Health Officer and Director of Public Health Services, County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency
Click here for the latest COVID-19 information in the County of San Diego >>
* Funded by the County of San Diego in support of the Live Well San Diego vision.
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Together Against COVID is an initiative led by the Multicultural Health Foundation (MHF) in partnership with the County of San Diego. MHF's mission is to bring health justice and wellness to the multicultural communities of San Diego County by focusing resources on the most vulnerable populations with community-based wellness strategies, social-clinical interventions, and research that will lead to the elimination of racial and ethnic health disparities. For more information, please contact us at (619) 915-6734.