Confirmation that Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) COVID-19 vaccine is 90% effective in developing antibodies for fighting off the coronavirus, marked an important milestone in the fight against the deadly virus. What followed soon was emergency approval by the Food and Drugs Administration, paving the way for mass vaccination. Barely weeks into the campaign, have regulators once again been called to action.
Allergic reactions
Alarmed by growing cases of allergic reactions to the vaccine, regulators are inclined to carry out further investigations into the vaccine. A National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease official has confirmed that a study of the vaccine’s allergic reaction is in the early stages of planning. The FDA has already confirmed it is looking into allergic reactions as well.
The study will focus on several hundred people with a history of severe allergic reactions. The study will also look at people who have experienced allergic reactions to taking the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The study comes hot on the heels of at least three cases of health workers suffering adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine.
However, before researchers begin the study, they will have to come with a detailed protocol. The FDA will also have to give a green light subject to approval by an ethics committee. The study will include people who do not suffer from allergic reactions as well.
COVID Vaccines Concerns
It is still unclear as to why people are having allergic reactions to the vaccines. U.S Officials insist the vaccines are safe, with only 10% of volunteers in clinical trials experiencing side effects that were significantly noticeable. The FDA says it will consider whether additional recommendations in the vaccines are needed.
There is growing concern that people who have had a lot of allergies and reactions to such treatments may shy away from taking the Pfizer or Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA) vaccines. Such a move will jeopardize the government’s push to have as many people as possible vaccinated.
The Federal government is in the process of distributing nearly 8 million doses of Covid vaccine this week, after shipping more than 2.9 million doses last week.