Remain at Site for 30 Minutes After Vaccination—WHO Advises

By Ahmed Rahma

**Urges People With Anaphylaxis History Not to Take Vaccine

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday said some people could have an allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine.

In a statement posted on its website, the global health body noted that just like people react to other vaccines or drugs, they could also react to the COVID-19 vaccine.

This statement is coming at a time several European nations are suspending the use of a COVID-19 vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca based on reports of rare blood coagulation disorders in a few people.

It also came after a story published by The Observer Newspaper titled Allergic Person Advised not to take COVID-19 vaccination.

In the statement, WHO said, “Some people could react to the vaccine, especially those with history of anaphylaxis to one of the vaccine constituents which may have a higher risk of reaction following COVID-19 vaccination.”

“Similarly, if the person provides a history of anaphylaxis with a previous dose of the same vaccine, he or she should be advised not to take the vaccine,” it added.

According to the WHO statement, all vaccination sites should have a medical doctor or clinical officer with the necessary kit to address such reactions or any other adverse event following vaccination to manage the allergy.

“WHO recommends that before the first dose, clients should inform the vaccinating team about any allergic reaction they may have had in the past.

“This is a precautionary measure. The healthcare providers will then assess the patient’s medical history to determine if he or she is at risk of a severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine.

“All immunisation providers are trained to recognise severe allergic reactions and are knowledgeable about the practical steps needed to treat them.

“We encourage all those who are vaccinated to remain at the vaccination site for 30 minutes for observation.”

During the on-going COVID-19 rollout, WHO is working closely with the Ministry of Health to detect and immediately respond to any serious side effects that may occur within 30 minutes of vaccination and beyond the 30 minutes when the person goes home.

In addition, it stated that the same article reported that some European countries had suspended the rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine based on reports of rare blood coagulation disorders in a few people.

“WHO is aware that as a precautionary measure, a few countries in the European Union have suspended the use of a specific batch as a precaution, while a full investigation is undertaken.

“It is important to note that the European Medicines Agency’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee position is that the vaccine’s benefits continue to outweigh its risks.

“The committee says the vaccine can continue to be administered while the investigation of cases of thromboembolic events is ongoing.

“As soon as WHO gains a full understanding of events surrounding the suspension of the AstraZeneca vaccine in those countries, the findings and any changes to current recommendations will be immediately communicated to the public,” it added.

The world body also noted that vaccinations against COVID-19 would not reduce other medical conditions or deaths from other causes.

It stated that “they will continue to occur, including after vaccination but they are not related to the vaccines.”