• Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Nov 2024

    COVID-19 vaccines: anaphylaxis and anxiety : A case study from an allergy unit.

    • Andrea R Teufelberger, Andrada-Renata Dan, Linda Irmler, Peter Wolf, and Birger Kränke.
    • Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 8, 8036, Graz, Austria. andrea.teufelberger@medunigraz.at.
    • Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. 2024 Nov 1; 136 (21-22): 590597590-597.

    BackgroundVaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was one crucial element to overcome the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Even though anaphylaxis to vaccines is rare, 47 patients came to the Allergy Unit at the University Hospital Graz, Austria, reporting immediate anaphylactoid symptoms after administration of COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, 29 patients with known drug-induced anaphylaxis wanted to be tested for a possible sensitization against COVID-19 vaccines or excipients, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysorbate 80 (PS80) before the first COVID-19 vaccination. Skin prick tests and intradermal tests were performed in all 76 patients, mostly using PEG 2000, and/or PS80. Skin prick tests with COVID-19 vaccines were performed depending on availability.ObjectiveOur aim was to characterize this patient cohort in terms of patients' anaphylactoid responses, their willingness to future vaccinations against SARS-Cov‑2, and reasons for their decision.MethodsWe developed a questionnaire and analyzed 34 completed copies.ResultsOf the 47 patients with anaphylactoid reactions to COVID-19 vaccination, most were female (40 female/7 male). The skin tests, even when performed with the respective COVID-19 vaccine, were negative in all but one patient. Most patients who experienced anaphylactoid reactions after a COVID-19 vaccination, did not want another COVID-19 vaccination at the time of answering the questionnaire because of anxiety for another anaphylactoid response at the next shot. Premedication with antihistamines significantly lowered (n = 74 vaccinations) the severity of anaphylactoid responses after COVID-19 vaccinations.ConclusionAnxiety about another anaphylactoid episode hinders patients to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV‑2 again. Premedication with antihistamines and collaboration of allergologists with psychologists might lower the risk of an anaphylactic/anaphylactoid response as well anxiety in drug-induced anaphylactic patients.© 2024. The Author(s).

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