Managing Patients Experiencing Adverse Events After COVID-19 Vaccination

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A recent study demonstrates an approach for evaluating and managing patients with adverse events following immunization with the COVID-19 vaccine.
 

The following article is a part of conference coverage from the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting, being held virtually from November 4 to 8, 2021. The team at Pulmonology Advisor will be reporting on the latest news and research conducted by leading experts in the field. Check back for more from the ACAAI 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting.

 

A recent study of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) with the COVID-19 vaccine demonstrates an approach for evaluating and managing patients with AEFIs during a pandemic. Results of the study were presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, November 4 to 8, 2021.

Efforts to vaccinate the population during the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the problem of AEFI and their potential to cause vaccine hesitancy. Researchers sought to determine effective methods for addressing this problem through a retrospective review of 25 patients referred to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Allergy Clinic for AEFI following receipt of an MRNA COVID-19 vaccine between December 2020 and June 2021.

Of the 25 patients studied, 23 experienced adverse effects after their first vaccine dose, with 14 of these experiencing possible hypersensitivity reaction. Of those 14, 6 underwent skin testing, with no positive results. After appropriate specialist evaluation, 15 patients underwent vaccine challenge and experienced old mild symptoms. Ultimately, 2 patients were advised not to receive the second dose and 6 patients chose not to receive the second dose.

Investigators concluded, “This study provides an approach on how to evaluate and manage AEFI during a pandemic, demonstrate the limitations of current testing, and provide insight on how to counsel patients considering future doses.”

 

Visit Pulmonology Advisor’s conference section for complete coverage of ACAAI 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting.

 

Reference

St. Clair B, Hoffman D, Lee R, Montgomery J. MRNA COVID-19 vaccine adverse events following immunization: should you recommend the second dose? Presented at: American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting; November 4-8, 2021; New Orleans, LA. Abstract A001.