Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I've had an allergic reaction to a vaccine in the past?

The vaccine should not be given to people with a known history of severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, to a previous dose of an mRNA or viral vector vaccine, or to any ingredient of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson–Janssen COVID-19 vaccines.

People who have had a severe allergic reaction to other vaccines or injectable therapies may still be able to receive the vaccine. However, providers should do a risk assessment and counsel them about potential risks. If the patient decides to get the vaccine, the provider should observe them for 30 minutes to monitor for any immediate reactions.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that providers observe all other patients for at least 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine to monitor for an allergic reaction. See ACIP’s interim clinical considerations for mRNA vaccines for more information.

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1. How are COVID-19 vaccines made?
2. How will a COVID-19 vaccine work in my body?
3. What are the ingredients in COVID-19 vaccines?
4. What is an mRNA vaccine?
5. What is a viral vector vaccine?
6. What types of symptoms are normal after receiving the vaccine?
7. Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I've had an allergic reaction to a vaccine in the past?
8. Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I'm pregnant, lactating or planning to become pregnant?