Vaccination allergy in adults

If a person has ever had reactions to chicken eggs or gelatin, they may very well be allergic to various vaccines that are given to protect against various diseases. It is important to know the details about the causes and mechanisms of these types of allergies in order to minimize the reaction and rule out possible allergies.

Allergy to vaccinations (vaccines, toxoids that are administered to protect against various diseases) is an extremely rare type of allergy. On average, according to world statistics, there are only one or two serious allergic reactions per million vaccinations. But when such an allergy does occur, it can be very serious and even life-threatening.

Can adults be allergic to vaccines?

Like all medicines or biological products, people can be allergic to certain vaccines. There are several types of reactions.

Immediate reactions. Immediate allergic reactions or anaphylaxis to vaccines are rare. These reactions usually begin within minutes of vaccination and are characterized by the same symptoms as immediate reactions to other allergens:

• skin manifestations (urticaria, swelling, itching);
• respiratory manifestations (cough, shortness of breath, wheezing);
• lowering blood pressure (weakness, loss of consciousness).

If a severe immediate allergic reaction begins to develop, it must be urgently stopped with adrenaline. It is important that a person suffering from an allergic reaction is eventually referred to an allergist. In most cases, allergy testing can confirm an allergy to a vaccine, and the information obtained can be very helpful for future vaccinations. In general, most patients who are allergic to one vaccine can receive other vaccines without problems.

late reactions. When symptoms may be caused by an allergy (eg, hives, redness, itching) but appear hours or days after vaccination, it is unlikely that this is a true allergy to the vaccine.

local reactions. Vaccines can sometimes cause severe local reactions that begin hours after vaccination or even the next day. The vaccination site (usually the arm) may become inflamed, red, and painful. The reaction may take several days. Although these reactions may be alarming, they are not usually the manifestation of an acute allergic reaction. There is usually no risk of an immediate allergic reaction at the next vaccination. Allergist consultation is not required. Vaccines containing a DT (diphtheria, tetanus) booster are more likely to be associated with this type of reaction.

Allergy to eggs. Some vaccines use egg embryos in the manufacturing process and should be administered with caution to people who are allergic to eggs.

The seasonal flu vaccine contains a minimal amount of egg white. Most people who are allergic to eggs can receive this vaccine without an allergic reaction. Depending on the severity of the allergic reaction to eggs, the vaccine can be administered in one or more doses with a long follow-up period. This vaccine was previously administered by allergists or in hospitals, but due to accumulating evidence of very low risk when administered to patients with egg allergies, as of 2011, these precautions are no longer mandatory.

The yellow fever vaccine, required when traveling to certain countries, also contains egg white. The risk of an allergic reaction to this vaccine is higher than to the flu vaccine. Consultation with an allergist is necessary to assess the risk and, if possible, continue vaccination.

The MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine does not contain significant amounts of egg white. It has been known for many years that this vaccine can be administered without special precautions to people with egg allergies. An allergist’s consultation is not required, and vaccination can be carried out under normal conditions for the recommended vaccinations.

How does an allergy to a vaccine manifest in adults?

Symptoms of a severe allergy to vaccines may include:

• breathing problems;
• weakness;
• dizziness;
• cough or sore throat;
• vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• low blood pressure
• increased heart rate;
• pallor of the skin;
• swelling of the larynx.

These symptoms usually appear quickly, within minutes or hours after vaccination. These are signs of anaphylaxis, a serious, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. If a patient develops symptoms of anaphylaxis after vaccination, you should immediately contact an ambulance.

Other common reactions to vaccines, such as fever, pain, swelling, redness at the injection site, or a mild rash, appear later and are usually not serious. But you need to see a doctor if you experience any alarming symptoms after vaccination.

How to treat an allergy to a vaccine in adults

Because people who are allergic to vaccines become sensitized after first exposure to the allergen, they are at high risk of allergic reactions to vaccines in the future. Subsequent allergic reactions to vaccines are usually more serious than the first ones.

Diagnostics

You should talk to your doctor if you have previously had symptoms of an allergic reaction after a vaccination, or if a person is concerned that an allergic reaction to a vaccine may occur. An allergist-immunologist may do an allergy test to determine if there is a vaccine-related allergy.

Modern methods

People who are allergic to vaccines can, in some cases, get the recommended vaccinations. Ways to vaccinate people who are allergic to vaccines may include:

• using an alternative form of the vaccine that is not allergic;
• taking antihistamines or corticosteroids before vaccination to prevent or reduce an allergic reaction
• Vaccination under the supervision of a doctor in the presence of vital medical equipment (for example, in an equipped clinic or hospital);
• testing for immunity to the disease being vaccinated against and not vaccinating if the person already has immunity.

Vaccinations are important for your health and the health of those around you. If you are allergic to vaccines, talk to your doctor, who will evaluate the possibility of vaccination and give recommendations on vaccination conditions that will ensure safety and effectiveness for you.

Vaccination allergy prevention in adults at home

In case of allergies, it is important to discuss all injections with your doctor in advance to prevent reactions. Vaccine components include active immunizing antigens, conjugating agents, preservatives, additional stabilizers, antimicrobial agents, adjuvants and culture media used in the preparation of the vaccine, as well as unintentional contaminants that are introduced during handling of the vaccine. Almost all components of the vaccine can be considered as potential triggers for an allergic reaction. Of particular importance are proteins derived from eggs, gelatin and yeast.

Other sources of an allergic reaction are antibiotics and vaccination antigens. In case of reactions to any component for the prevention of allergies, vaccines with these substances are not administered.

Popular questions and answers

Answered popular questions pharmacist, teacher of pharmacology, editor-in-chief of MedCorr Olga Zorina.