Does the Covid vaccine contain penicillin

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Covid vaccines have tripped across the UK as the country’s various governments seek to inoculate everyone in the most vulnerable cohorts. Most people have jumped at the chance to receive the vaccine – which is up to 95 percent effective – but some people remain unconvinced. Issues remain around vaccine disinformation, with others unsure whether allergies will prevent them from having the jab.

Does the Covid vaccine contain penicillin?

The Covid vaccine is currently the clearest path out of the pandemic, and the only safe way to introduce herd immunity.

Several different versions exist, and vaccine manufacturers have used varying ingredients.

Some people may fear they can’t have the vaccine if it includes an ingredient they are allergic to.

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Those with a penicillin allergy may fear not, however.

According to the Anaphylaxis Campaign, people with a penicillin allergy can have the vaccine.

The organisation states people who have severe reactions to penicillin can have any of the three available jabs.

They said: “Allergy to penicillins is not a contraindication (reason to withhold) to the Pfizer/BioNTech or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine or Moderna vaccine.”

Anaphylaxis, a severe reaction to allergens, has been observed in some people who have had the vaccine.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include the following, according to the NHS:

  • Feeling lightheaded or faint
  • Breathing difficulties (fast, shallow)
  • Wheezing
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Clammy skin
  • Confusion and anxiety
  • Collapsing or losing consciousness

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Two healthcare workers experienced anaphylaxis after receiving the vaccine last year.

They developed symptoms soon after the jab and had a history of severe reactions to other allergens.

Both also carried EpiPens, and advice following the isolated cases was for people to avoid having the jab if they have previously had anaphylactic reactions to other allergens.

But now the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), has said it is safe.

Advice from the MHRA earlier this year said people with a history of severe reactions to other allergens such as food can now receive any vaccine.

But those who have specific allergies to vaccine ingredients still cannot.

An update to the vaccination programmes standard operating procedure reads: “A very small number of individuals have experienced anaphylaxis when vaccinated with the Pfizer BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine.

“Following close surveillance of the initial roll-out, the MHRA has advised that individuals with a history of anaphylaxis to food, an identified drug or vaccine, or an insect sting can receive any Covid-19 vaccine, as long as they are not known to be allergic to any component (excipient) of the vaccine.”

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