This past Monday, the 8th, the vaccination day against COVID-19 for the elderly began in our country. This fact fills the population with hope, but, some people have some doubts about the possible allergic reactions it may cause, especially in people with a history of extreme immune reactions.

Dr. Julio Cachay, Internist, and Infectious Diseases Specialist at Clínica Ricardo Palma provides us with valuable and concise information to answer some questions about this issue.

1. What are anaphylactic reactions?
   Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapidly onset, and life-threatening allergic reaction. Symptoms include rash, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and shock. It can cause loss of consciousness if it is not treated immediately.
2. Who can get these reactions after getting vaccinated?
   The best way to prevent anaphylaxis is prevention. Before administering a vaccine, you should ask about the possible allergy to any component of the product, to verify contraindications.
3. If I have allergies, should I get vaccinated?
   People with a history of severe allergic reactions that are not related to vaccines or injectable medications, such as allergies to food, pets, poisons, environmental allergies, or latex, can get vaccinated. Also, people allergic to oral medications or with a family history of severe allergic reactions can be vaccinated.
4. What should I do after inoculation?
   Anaphylaxis is a possible but very rare adverse effect (1.3 cases per million doses administered). Most episodes occur in the first 10 minutes, however, 30 minutes is the safest post-vaccination observation interval.
5. What are the most common side effects of Covid-19 vaccine?
   Fever, chills, tiredness or headache, and local pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site.
6. What should I do if I have any side effects?
   These effects usually appear 1 or 2 days post-vaccination but should disappear in a few days. To reduce side effects on the arm apply a clean, cool, damp cloth on the injection site. To reduce the effects on the rest of the body drink plenty of water and take paracetamol 500 mg every 8 hours orally.

Dr. Julio Cachay
Internist and Infectious Diseases Specialist atClínica Ricardo Palma