The Department of Health (DOH) is preparing for the possible adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccines in line with the measures for the upcoming vaccine rollout.
According to Dr. Rommel Lobo, an allergist and president of the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, among the contraindications of COVID-19 vaccines are anaphylaxis or severe reaction after the administration of the first vaccine dose. But the expert clarified this is a rare incident.
“Kung nakita po na galing doon sa component ng bakuna kontra COVID-19, doon lang sila hindi babakunahan ng pangalawa, kasi that has a risk of developing an anaphylaxis (If it’s seen to have come from the COVID-19 vaccine component, we will not administer the second dose because that has a risk of developing an anaphylaxis),” Lobo explained.
Patients are advised to be given epinephrine in case of anaphylaxis. Based on studies, the reaction usually happens 15 minutes after vaccination. That is why recipients must be monitored for 30 minutes after vaccine injection. However, adverse effects of the vaccines may take up to three to five days before they manifest.
According to the PSAAI, the following individuals can receive COVID-19 vaccines but may need to consult a doctor:
• Patients with allergic reactions to food, inhalant allergens, insects, latex, oral medications not related to vaccines
• Patients with immunodeficiency and autoimmune disease such as Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Bell’s palsy
• Patients with well-controlled asthma and inhaled corticosteroids and those with allergic rhinitis on intranasal corticosteroids
The DOH has assured that there will be personnel assigned in each vaccination site to monitor possible side effects. – Report from Mark Fetalco
