Empty vials that contained a dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine against the coronavirus COVID-19 are on a table while South Africa continues its inoculation campaign at Klerksdorp Hospital on February 18, 2021.
Phill Magakoe | AFP | Getty Images
Two study participants experienced severe allergic reactions shortly after receiving the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine, a J&J scientist told an FDA panel on Friday.
J&J was first informed on Wednesday about allergic reactions, said Macaya Douoguih, head of clinical development and medical affairs at J&J Janssen’s vaccines division, to the FDA Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee.
One of the people was participating in an ongoing study in South Africa and developed anaphylaxis, a serious and life-threatening allergic reaction, after receiving the vaccine, she said.
She gave no details about the second person’s reaction.
“We will continue to monitor these events closely,” she told the panel.
Previously, there were no reports of anaphylaxis in the J&J clinical trial. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are monitoring events like states and pharmacies distributing Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
There were 46 reports of anaphylaxis in those who received the Pfizer vaccine and 16 cases in those who received Moderna, according to a CDC report published on February 16. The agency said the occurrence of the reaction is in the range of those reported for the flu vaccine.
The CDC is asking healthcare professionals to monitor patients 15 minutes after vaccination and 30 minutes for those who have a history of allergic reactions.
If someone has a severe allergic reaction after receiving the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, the CDC recommends that they do not receive the second dose, even if the allergic reaction was not severe enough to require emergency care.