The COVID-19 Vaccine: An Update from Dr. Rease
Following our last post, we reached out to Matt Rease, Pharm.D. for some additional answers regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.
2AG: Are any of the Covid vaccines mammal-free and/or safe for patients with alpha-gal syndrome? Is one vaccine safer than the other(s)?
Matt: All vaccines seem to be compatible with those that have alpha-gal.
In regards to the Pfizer vaccine: Per Pfizer “As there are no proteins with galactose-alpha-1,3-galactoseglycosylation present in the final drug product, the risk for an allergic response after Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine administration in individuals with alpha-gal allergy would not be different than an individual without alpha-gal allergy”
In regards to the Moderna vaccine: Per Moderna “Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine does not contain any preservatives, antibiotics, adjuvants, or human- or animal-derived materials.”
In regards to the Janssen (J & J) vaccine: per Janssen “The Janssen Vaccine does not contain any human or animal derived ingredients”
2AG: For those of us that have had anaphylactic reactions due to alpha-gal, do we need to take any additional precautions when getting the vaccine?
Matt: With these vaccines there is a remote chance that someone could have a severe allergic reaction. For this reason, we ask our vaccine recipients remain in the vicinity where the vaccine is administered for monitoring. We always instruct patients to remain in the area for at least 15 minutes. For those that have had severe allergic reactions to other triggers in the past we ask recipients to stay for 30 minutes post vaccination. We always are prepared in case of emergency and have Epi-pens available if needed.
2AG: Matt, thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions! And thank you for offering customized services to help keep us safe.
Matt: It is my pleasure. I do appreciate the service you both are providing the community in getting the information out to the public. At the pharmacy we are happy to assist our patients in any way to insure proper healthcare.
2AG: Do you mind if we come back to you with more questions if we get them from our followers?
Matt: I do not mind at all!
Another big thank you to Dr. Rease for taking the time to answer our questions. We would love to hear comments below on your own experience with the vaccine. Stay safe and well.
🐟 🐓 ❤️ Candice & Debbie