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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

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.