Pfizer vaccine raises allergy cases, Chicago hospital suspends vaccination

New Delhi, Sunday 20 December 2020

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an investigation into five cases of vaccine allergies, according to a report in the Daily Mail.

A Chicago hospital has suspended vaccinations for several days after several cases of allergies surfaced on Friday, although it was later decided to resume vaccinations on Sunday. The company has not commented on the incident.

Peter Marks, director of the FDA, said allergy cases have already been reported in many states, including Alaska.

"Polyethylene glycol (PEG) can cause allergic reactions," said Peter Marks, adding that at least two cases of the Pfizer vaccine have been reported.

A woman in Alaska began having difficulties just 10 minutes after being vaccinated in the United States on Thursday, although she was discharged from the hospital within 6 hours of treatment.

On Friday, the FDA said that people who have had severe allergies in the past should not be vaccinated with the modern vaccine, adding that the hospital should have adequate facilities for allergy treatment at the time of vaccination.