Dataset Information

Association of Self-reported High-Risk Allergy History With Allergy Symptoms After COVID-19 Vaccination

ABSTRACT: This cohort study examines the risk factors for developing a severe or an immediate allergic reaction to an messenger RNA–based COVID-19 vaccine. Key Points

Question

What is the association between self-reported history of high-risk allergy and allergic reactions after messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccination?

Findings

In this cohort study of 52 998 health care employees, self-reported high-risk allergy history was associated with an increased risk of self-reported allergic reactions after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. Most of the reported allergy symptoms, however, did not impede the completion of the 2-dose vaccine protocol.

Meaning

This finding suggests that the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are safe to receive for eligible individuals.

Importance

Allergic history in individuals with confirmed anaphylaxis to a messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccine is common. However, the risk factors for allergy symptoms after receiving the vaccine are unknown.

Objective

To assess the association between self-reported history of high-risk allergy and self-reported allergic reactions after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination of health care employees.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study obtained demographic, medical, and vaccine administration data of employees of Mass General Brigham from the institutional electronic health record. Employees who received at least 1 dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine between December 14, 2020, and February 1, 2021, and who completed at least 1 postvaccination symptom survey in the 3 days after vaccination were included.

Exposures

Self-reported history of high-risk allergy, defined as a previous severe allergic reaction to a vaccine, an injectable medication, or other allergen.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was 1 or more self-reported allergic reactions in the first 3 days after dose 1 or dose 2 of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Multivariable log binomial regression was used to assess the association between allergic reactions and high-risk allergy status.

Results

A total of 52 998 health care employees (mean [SD] age, 42 [14] years; 38 167 women [72.0%]) were included in the cohort, of whom 51 706 (97.6%) received 2 doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and 474 (0.9%) reported a history of high-risk allergy. Individuals with vs without a history of high-risk allergy reported more allergic reactions after receiving dose 1 or 2 of the vaccine (11.6% [n = 55] vs 4.7% [n = 2461]). In the adjusted model, a history of high-risk allergy was associated with an increased risk of allergic reactions (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 2.46; 95% CI, 1.92-3.16), with risk being highest for hives (aRR, 3.81; 95% CI, 2.33-6.22) and angioedema (aRR, 4.36; 95% CI, 2.52-7.54).

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study found that self-reported history of high-risk allergy was associated with an increased risk of self-reported allergic reactions within 3 days of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. However, reported allergy symptoms did not impede the completion of the 2-dose vaccine protocol among a cohort of eligible health care employees, supporting the overall safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

SUBMITTER: Li L

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8548941 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients experience significant morbidity and mortality from coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) infection. Data are limited regarding long-term HCT survivors' uptake of and experiences with COVID-19 vaccination and infection. This study aimed to characterize COVID-19 vaccination uptake, use of other prevention measures, and COVID-19 infection outcomes in adult HCT recipients at our institution. Between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, long-term adult HCT survivors were surveyed regarding overall health, chronic graft-versus-host (cGVHD) status, and experiences with COVID-19 vaccinations, prevention measures, and infections. Patients reported COVID-19 vaccination status, vaccine-related adverse effects, use of nonpharmaceutical prevention measures, and infections. Comparisons by response and vaccination status were performed using the chi-square test and Fisher exact test for categorical variables and the Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous variables. Of 4758 adult HCT survivors who underwent HCT between 1971 and 2021 and consented to participate in annual surveys, 1719 (36%) completed the COVID-19 module, and 1598 of 1705 (94%) reported receiving ≥1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Severe vaccine-related adverse effects were infrequent (5%). Among respondents receiving an mRNA vaccine, completion of doses according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine recommendations at the time of survey return was 2 doses in 675 of 759 (89%), 3 doses in 610 of 778 (78%), and 4 doses in 26 of 55 (47%). Two hundred fifty respondents (15%) reported COVID-19 infection; 25 (10%) required hospitalization. Vaccinated respondents reported significantly higher uptake of household vaccination (1284 of 1404 [91%] versus 18 of 88 [20%]; P < .001) and the use of nonpharmaceutical interventions (P < .001). Vaccinated respondents were significantly less likely to have contracted COVID-19 (85 of 1480 [6%] versus 130 of 190 [68%]; P < .001), as were their household members (149 of 1451 [10%] versus 85 of 185 [46%]; P < .001). Receipt of additional COVID-19 vaccine doses beyond the first dose was associated with a reduced risk of COVID-19 infection (odds ratio, .63; 95% confidence interval, .47 to .85; P = .002). Vaccination was well tolerated and associated with a lower risk of COVID-19 infection among HCT survivors and their household contacts. Vaccination and booster doses should be encouraged as part of a multifaceted approach in this high-risk population.