The CDC updates the COVID-19 vaccine guidelines after healthcare professionals have allergic reactions

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have updated who should avoid getting the COVID-19 vaccine or be extra careful.

The announcement came after some health professionals had allergic reactions to the vaccine. Reactions remain rare, but experts say it is critical that any serious symptoms be treated immediately.

CDC guidelines now say that anyone who has ever had an immediate allergic reaction of any severity to any ingredient in Pfizer or Moderna vaccines should not be vaccinated unless released by doctors.

One ingredient that is being examined carefully is polyethylene glycol. It is a compound used to stabilize and transport bubbles for messenger RNA in vaccines.

It has never been used in a vaccine before, but it is an ingredient in many medicines. The CDC also said that anyone with an allergy to polysorbate should not take the injections. It is an ingredient used to stabilize some medicines, foods and cosmetics.

Polysorbate is not an ingredient in vaccines, but people who are sensitive to it may also be sensitive to polyethylene glycol.

Experts said people with severe food or drug allergies could be vaccinated. But they should be seen for 30 minutes later, instead of just 15. They also need to have the injection in an establishment that can immediately treat an allergic reaction.

The CDC said that anyone who experiences a severe allergic reaction to the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine should not receive a second dose.

READ: Michigan coronavirus cases up to 502,119; Death toll now at 12,678

---