Durham, NC – Many people are allergic to something. Medical studies suggest that about 2% of Americans have allergies so severe that they can be fatal.
A Duke frontline doctor is in that 2% and had to decide whether to bet on obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine.
“I have a history of anaphylaxis reaction, which is a serious allergy,” said Dr. Leonor Corsino, an adult endocrinologist at Duke University Hospital.
She was not shot like most health workers during the first week of Pfizer’s deployment.
“To be honest, I was a little nervous,” she said.
However, her history of a known serious allergy did not prevent her from participating in the global health initiative.
“I must say that my first dose went well. I didn’t have any major reactions, “she said.
There are rare reports of side effects after the vaccine. Some health professionals have experienced shortness of breath, dizziness and a high heart rate. Since then, the CDC has established new guidelines.
Anyone with severe reactions prior to vaccines should speak to their doctor before being vaccinated. Those who are severely allergic to any of the ingredients included in Pfizer or Moderna injections should skip the vaccine.
Corsino said that everyone is monitored for up to 30 minutes after receiving the injection, and each vaccination site has the medication at hand to treat an allergic reaction.
“I don’t want it to stop people from understanding it,” she said. “My message is to do your homework and make an informed decision, if that is right for you.”
And for Corsino, the benefits of the vaccine far outweighed the risks. As she prepares for her second dose next week, she encourages people to trust science.