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The following is a press release from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
The Idaho Public Health Division received reports from two health professionals who experienced severe allergic reactions, also called serious adverse events, after receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The events took place in northern Idaho and in the Treasury Valley.
The investigation into both incidents is ongoing, but one person has fully recovered and another is hospitalized in stable condition, but is due to be discharged on Tuesday.
Both people had a known history of serious reactions after receiving an injectable medication.
“The CDC considers a history of severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis to any vaccine or any injectable therapy, as a precaution, but not a contraindication, to vaccination,” said Dr. Christine Hahn, medical director of the Division of Public Health. “In light of these events, we are concerned about the risk for people with this history and recommend that anyone with a history of severe reaction or anaphylaxis to any vaccine or injectable therapy postpone getting this vaccine until more information is known.”
“We will continue to update vaccine providers and the public as soon as we know more,” she added. “In the meantime, people with no history of severe reaction or anaphylaxis to a vaccine or injectable therapy are still recommended and encouraged to get the vaccine when the vaccine is made available to them.”
Federal, state and local public health agencies continuously monitor reports of adverse events related to the COVID-19 vaccine. The Department of Health and Welfare is reviewing data from several systems, including the Vaccine Adverse Event Notification System and state notification systems, where providers who vaccinate and individuals who receive the vaccine can report any reactions they think related to vaccination.
Data from clinical trials of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine indicate that there is very little risk for the vast majority of people who will receive the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the vaccine has side effects because it stimulates the body’s immune system. So far, these side effects include fever, fatigue, headache, chills, pain at the injection site, among others. They generally do not last more than a day or two.
For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine in Idaho, visit: https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/covid-19-vaccine/