Vaccine: Dr Chris Smith says ‘all medicines have a side effect’
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has started to be rolled out across the UK this week. According to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), there have been two reports of anaphylaxis and one report of a possible allergic reaction since vaccines started being administered on Tuesday. The two health workers reported to have experienced anaphylaxis after receiving the vaccine are understood to have histories of severe allergic reactions and were among thousands who received the vaccine on Tuesday.
Is there penicillin in the covid vaccine?
Allergy warnings have been issued by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) following reports of anaphylaxis among two recipients of the vaccine this week.
The head of the MHRA, Dr June Raine, said: “Any person with a history of anaphylaxis to a vaccine, medicine or food should not receive the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine.
“A second dose should not be given to anyone who has experienced anaphylaxis following administration of the first dose of this vaccine.”
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Dr Raine added: “Anyone due to receive their vaccine should continue with their appointment and discuss any questions or medical history of serious allergies with the healthcare professional prior to getting the jab.”
The NHS defines anaphylaxis as a “severe and potentially life-threatening reaction to a trigger such as an allergy”.
People with severe allergies to vaccines, medicines and foods, such as penicillin, are being advised not to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, but medical experts state the vaccine does not contain penicillin.
Dr David Thompson from Medic Testing told Express.co.uk: “Within hours of rolling out the new Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine there have been warnings regarding those with allergies receiving the vaccine.
“Penicillin allergies can range from very mild to life threatening, current guidance is that only people with ‘significant allergic reactions’ should avoid the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine.
“Currently the MHRA has specifically stated that if you have a history of anaphylaxis, to a vaccine, medicine or food you should not receive the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine.
“There has been no comments so far regarding allergies and the development of other COVID-19 vaccines.”
Dr Thompson added: “Penicillin does not form part of the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine.
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“However, a vaccine works through stimulating your immune system.
“The MHRA has warned that those with severe allergic reactions, such as a severe penicillin allergy, may be at risk of having an allergic response to the vaccine.”
Saba Yussouf, CEO of Invisi Smart Technologies, told Express.co.uk: “The vaccine doesn’t contain penicillin however anyone with a history of allergies to penicillin or other ingredients that can send your body into anaphylactic shock, should not take the vaccine.
“Vaccines usually require a minimum of five years of testing to decipher potential reactions and changes in DNA of the patient.
“A few months of testing a vaccine is not long enough to know the real side effects in the human body as shown by the recent unfortunate reactions.”
How does the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine work?
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is a form of messenger RNA (mRNA vaccine), which uses the virus’ genetic code rather than inactive or modified forms of the virus.
The vaccine is administered into the body and enters cells, instructing the cells to produce coronavirus spike protein.
The immune system then creates antibodies, which can then fight off future potential Covid-19 infection.
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