CDC states that a severe or immediate allergic reaction to the first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is a contraindication for the second dose.
To assess outcomes associated with excipient skin testing after a reported allergic reaction to mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose one.
We identified a consecutive sample of patients with reported allergic reactions after the first dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine who underwent allergy assessment with skin testing to polyethylene glycol (PEG) and, if appropriate, polysorbate 80. Skin testing results in conjunction with clinical phenotyping of the first dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccine reaction guided second dose vaccination recommendation. Second dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccine reactions were assessed.
80 patients with reported first dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccine allergic reactions (n=65, 81% immediate onset) underwent excipient skin testing. 14 (18%) had positive skin tests to PEG (n=5) and/or polysorbate 80 (n=12). Skin testing result did not impact tolerance of second dose in patients with immediate or delayed reactions. Of 70 (88%) patients who received their second mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose, 62 (89%) had either no reaction or a mild reaction managed with antihistamines, but two patients required epinephrine. Three patients with positive PEG-3350 intradermal (methylprednisolone) testing tolerated second dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. Refresh Tears caused non-specific irritation.
Most individuals with a reported allergic reaction to dose one of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, regardless of skin test result, received the second dose safely. More data are needed on the value of skin prick testing to PEG (Miralax) in evaluating patients with mRNA COVID-19 vaccine anaphylaxis. Refresh Tears should not be used for skin testing.

Copyright © 2021 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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