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新型コロナワクチン接種 Q&A (英語版) 情報掲載について

更新日:2021.12.15

最新トピックスとして「アレルギーをお持ちの方へ 新型コロナワクチン接種 Q&A(英語版)」を掲載しました。

“Q&A on Covid-19 Vaccinations for People with Allergic Diseases” has been posted as the latest topic.

Q&A on Covid-19 Vaccinations

Q1. What are allergies?

A1.

When non-body elements such as bacteria, viruses, food, ticks and pollen enter the human body, there is a mechanism that recognizes them as “foreign bodies.” The mechanism, which we call “immunity” attacks these “foreign bodies,” and removes them from the human body.

There are cases where reactions taken against such “foreign bodies” harm the human body. These are called “allergic reactions.” We call what causes these allergies, “allergens.”

(Source: Official website of the Japanese Society of Allergology)

Q2. What is Anaphylaxis? What are its symptoms?

A2.

“Anaphylaxis” is when two or more internal organs cause a systemic allergic reaction. Symptoms include the following: skin symptoms such as nettle rash, respiratory symptoms such as difficulties in breathing, uncontrollable coughing, runny nose and sneezing, and digestive symptoms such as stomachaches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Several of these symptoms will occur simultaneously.

If symptoms become serious, this may lead to exhaustion, decrease in blood pressure and cause life threatening conditions of shock such as disturbance of consciousness and/or incontinence.

Q3. What are the allergic symptoms which may occur after being vaccinated against Covid-19? Do these differ from side effects?

A3.

We are not clear as to the mechanism of systemic symptoms which occur after being vaccinated against Covid-19, such as exhaustion, headaches, muscle pain, chillness, joint pain, diarrhea and high fever. However, these symptoms are transitory phenomena which occur from a few hours to a few days after being vaccinated against Covid-19.

We believe these symptoms from being vaccinated against Covid-19 to be normal responses taken by our immune system. Meanwhile, most acute allergic reactions including Anaphylaxis occur from a few minutes to just over ten minutes after being vaccinated.

At times, these reactions may occur several hours after being vaccinated with Covid-19 vaccines. For this reason, it is extremely important to carefully monitor your medical condition.

Q4. What are the allergic symptoms after being vaccinated against Covid-19?

A4.

Many are acute allergic reactions as follows:

  • 1. Red inflammation of the skin in areas other than where the vaccination was taken, hives, swelling of the lips, itching and swelling of the eyes, sneezing, and Rhinitis symptoms such as a runny nose.
  • 2. The sense of the throat closing, difficulty in breathing, respiratory symptoms such as strong coughing.
  • 3. Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, digestive symptoms such as diarrhea.
  • 4. Lowering of blood pressure and cardiovascular symptoms such as disturbance of consciousness.

The patient will be diagnosed as having “Anaphylaxis” if two or more of the above symptoms occur.

Q5. Who should avoid being vaccinated against Covid-19 if they have allergic diseases?

A5.

■Those who showed strong signs of hypersensitivity after receiving the first Covid-19 vaccine should avoid further Covid-19 vaccines.

■Those who suspect components of the Covid-19 vaccine will trigger an allergic reaction should be extremely cautious.

(For those who should use caution in receiving Covid-19 vaccines, please also refer to Q6.)

* Those who have a medical history of strong sensitivity with medicine containing such Covid-19 vaccine components as polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysorbate, which has cross-reactivity with PEG, are advised to get proper evaluation from a medical specialist. Furthermore, such individuals should stay away from the Covid-19 vaccinates unless the facility providing the vaccine is fully capable of handling cases of severe hypersensitivity such as Anaphylaxis.

*Here, we have addressed diseases of allergy. In cases of other diseases which you may have, please consult your physician.

Q6. What type of person with allergic diseases* should take caution receiving Covid-19 vaccinations?

A6.

1. Those who have had symptoms of allergies such as generalized rashes after being vaccinated.

2. Those who feel they may be allergic to the components of the Covid-19 vaccines.

*Matters requiring attention:

People who fit the above description should get the Covid-19 vaccine at a place equipped to handle severe cases of hypersensitivity including Anaphylaxis. It is also strongly recommended that such people be monitored for 30 minutes or more after being vaccinated.

It is believed the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine has components of polyethylene glycol (PEG) as well as polysorbate, which has cross-reactivity with PEG.

If you have a medical history of Anaphylaxis through the use of specific medication, it is absolutely essential to confirm, prior to getting the Covid-19 vaccine, whether components of such medication also exist in the Covid-19 vaccine.

In as far as “2” above, we consider individuals falling under ①-③below as being in a high risk category to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. Should you fall under ①-③below, please consult your physician or our hospital.

  • ① Patients having a medical history of Anaphylaxis with the use of multiple medication.
  • ② Patients having a medical history of Anaphylaxis where the cause has not been determined.
  • ③ Patients who have had symptoms of Anaphylaxis after being vaccinated.

*Here, we are addressing diseases of allergy. In cases of other diseases which you may have, please consult your physician.

Q7. Can individuals with allergic diseases still get the Covid-19 vaccine?

A7.

Allergic diseases include:

※Asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis
Excluding vaccinations and medicine (injections), allergies caused by specific substances [food, pets, bee venom, the environment (house dust, ticks, mold, pollen among other items) and latex.]

It has been said that even for people with the above allergies, there is no difference in the onset risks of getting Anaphylaxis through Covid-19 vaccines.

However, for patients with poorly controlled asthma, there is a risk that conditions could become severe in the event of Anaphylaxis. For this reason, it is highly recommended that such asthmatic patients receive Covid-19 vaccinations at medical facilities capable of handling their medical condition. Controlling your existing allergic disease is of the utmost importance.

Q8. Are there allergy tests available for polyethylene glycol and polysorbate?

A8.

At the present time, there are no established tests as such. However, our Allergy Department conducts skin tests with the use of medicine which contain polyethylene glycol and polysorbate. Such test results and the patient’s medical history to date help us determine the risk factor.

Q9. Can nonprescription antipyretic analgesic medicine (fever reducing pain relievers) available on the market be used for any high fever and pain received after being vaccinated against Covid-19?

A9.

Nonprescription antipyretic analgesic medicine at times may include additives and sub-ingredients. It would be safer to consult your physician for a medical prescription.

日本語版はこちらからご覧いただけます。