California’s leading epidemiologist, Dr. Erica Pan, said on Wednesday that a review by a panel of experts on apparent allergic reactions believed to be linked to a specific batch of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine found no “scientific basis” to continue withholding doses.
The state had received about 330,000 doses of the modern vaccine from the specific batch, which were distributed throughout the state. Last week, seven people had reactions at a drive-through clinic in San Diego, some of which involved rapid swelling. But none were anaphylaxis or life-threatening reactions, according to the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup.
The symptoms were, however, severe and required medical attention, Pan said earlier.
She added: “As a precaution,” the state recommended health professionals to stop distributing the specific lot on Sunday until a review of their safety was completed. The working group said on Wednesday in a statement that it recommended providers to resume using doses given the number of people across the country who received the vaccine from the same batch without similar reactions, as well as the immediate need for vaccination during the pandemic.
“These findings should continue to give Californians confidence that vaccines are safe and effective, and that the systems in place to ensure vaccine safety are rigorous and science-based,” said Pan.
The working group did not identify a reason for the “greater than normal” number of reactions in San Diego. Pan said all individuals who had reactions “are at home and well”.
The COVID-19 vaccine has specific guidelines when administering inoculations, including monitoring patients for at least 15 minutes after a dose. The observation period is longer for people with certain medical conditions.