CDC updates clinical considerations for COVID-19 vaccine

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in updated interim guidelines that anyone with a history of immediate allergic reaction to any component of an mRNA novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine or an immediate allergic reaction of any severity to polysorbate should not receive the vaccine.

The new guidelines expand on previous guidelines, now including persons with a history of immediate allergic reaction to an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or any of its components, including polyethylene glycol. Additionally, those who develop severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis after a first dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine should not receive a second dose, according to the guidelines.

All ingredients in the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are listed in the document posted on the agency's website under Appendix B. Polysorbate is not a vaccine ingredient but was included because people sensitive to it may also react to polyethylene glycol.

These persons experiencing immediate allergic reactions should not receive mRNA COVID-19 vaccination at this time unless they have been evaluated by an allergist-immunologist and it is determined that the person can safely receive the vaccine, the CDC said.

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