Health Canada says people who are allergic to ingredients in the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine should not receive it.
The warning comes after two people in the United Kingdom reported allergic reactions to the vaccine last week.
Officials say both had a history of severe allergic reactions and carried adrenaline auto-injectors. They were both treated and have recovered.
“In Canada, all vaccines carry a warning about the risk of serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, and immunization clinics are equipped to manage these rare events,” said Health Canada.
“Health Canada has reviewed the available evidence and has concluded that the current Product Monograph and available public health guidance are appropriate, and is not recommending any changes to the product’s use at this time.”
The vaccine’s ingredients are as follows:
Medicinal ingredient:
- mRNA
Non-medicinal ingredients:
- ALC-315 = ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate)
- ALC-0159 = 2-[(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide
- 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine
- cholesterol
- dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate
- monobasic potassium phosphate
- potassium chloride
- sodium chloride
- sucrose
- water for injection
Health Canada says immunization clinics are equipped to manage “rare” incidents of serious allergic reactions.
If you have experienced a serious allergic reaction to another vaccine, drug or food, the agency said you should talk to your health professional before receiving the COVID vaccine.
Anyone who has experienced a serious allergic reaction to another vaccine, drug or food should talk to their health professional before receiving the COVID vaccine.
