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Regulators Investigating Allergic Reactions To New Coronavirus Vaccine In United Kingdom

(Photo by Jacob King - Pool / Getty Images)

Brianna Lyman News and Commentary Writer
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U.K. health regulators reportedly announced Wednesday that anyone who has a “significant history” of allergic reactions should not receive the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine after two recipients showed adverse side effects on the first day the vaccine was administered.

Head of the Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency Dr. June Raine told a Parliamentary committee that regulators were informed that two individuals who received the vaccine had allergic reactions, according to the Associated Press (AP).

“We know from the very extensive clinical trials that this wasn’t a feature,” Raine said. “But if we need to strengthen our advice, now that we have had this experience with the vulnerable populations, the groups who have been selected as a priority, we get that advice to the field immediately.”

The two individuals were healthcare workers who had a significant history of allergic reactions and carried adrenaline auto injectors, according to CNN.

COVENTRY, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: "Bill" William Shakespeare, 81, receives the Pfizer/BioNTech covid-19 vaccine at University Hospital at the start of the largest ever immunisation programme in the UK's history on December 8, 2020 in Coventry, United Kingdom. More than 50 hospitals across England were designated as covid-19 vaccine hubs, the first stage of what will be a lengthy vaccination campaign. NHS staff, over-80s, and care home residents will be among the first to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, which recently received emergency approval from the country's health authorities. (Photo by Jacob King - Pool / Getty Images)

COVENTRY, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 08: “Bill” William Shakespeare, 81, receives the Pfizer/BioNTech covid-19 vaccine at University Hospital at the start of the largest ever immunisation programme in the UK’s history on December 8, 2020 in Coventry, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jacob King – Pool / Getty Images)

National Medical Director for the National Health Service in England Professor Stephen Powis said despite the allergic reactions, both individuals are doing fine, the AP reports. (RELATED: William Shakespeare Among The First People To Receive Coronavirus Vaccine In UK)

“As is common with new vaccines the MHRA have advised on a precautionary basis that people with a significant history of allergic reactions do not receive this vaccination after two people with a history of significant allergic reactions responded adversely yesterday,” Powis said, per the AP. “Both are recovering well.”

The new MHRA advice says anyone with a history of allergic reactions to a vaccine, medicine or food– including those who carry an adrenaline auto injector – shouldn’t receive the vaccine, according to CNN. The guidance also said vaccinations “should only be carried out in facilities where resuscitation measures are available,” according to the report.

The U.K. approved Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine for emergency use Dec. 2, becoming the first country to authorize a vaccine backed by positive clinical trials. The first round of vaccines which began Monday will be given to health care workers, nursing home residents and elderly people, according to NBC News.