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Interim Considerations: Preparing for the Potential Management of Anaphylaxis after COVID-19 Vaccination						Print
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										Recognizing and Responding to Anaphylaxis [1 page, 508]**Summary of recent changes (last updated September 2, 2022)**
Updated guidance for observation periods following COVID-19 vaccination**Key Points**
Anaphylaxis, an acute and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, has been reported rarely following COVID-19 vaccination.
Under the Emergency Use Authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines, appropriate medical treatment for severe allergic reactions must be immediately available at any site administering the vaccine in the event that an acute anaphylactic reaction occurs following administration of a COVID-19 vaccine.
These interim considerations provide information on preparing for the initial assessment and potential management of anaphylaxis following COVID-19 vaccination.
		On This Page
			Personnel, medications, and supplies for assessing and managing anaphylaxisPost-vaccination observation periodsEarly recognition of anaphylaxisManagement of anaphylaxis at a COVID-19 vaccination locationConsiderations for anaphylaxis management in special populationsPatient counselingReporting anaphylaxisAdditional resourcesReferencesAppendixPrevious Updates
		
Overview
Anaphylaxis, an acute and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, has been reported rarely following COVID-19 vaccination. These interim considerations provide recommendations on assessment and potential management of anaphylaxis following COVID-19 vaccination. Detailed information on CDC recommendations for vaccination, including contraindications and precautions to vaccination, can be found in the Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the United States. Patients should be screened prior to receipt of each vaccine dose, and those with a contraindication should not be vaccinated. A COVID-19 prevaccination questionnaire [6 pages] is available to assist with screening.
Personnel, medications, and supplies for assessing and managing anaphylaxis
Healthcare personnel who are trained and qualified to recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, as well as administer intramuscular epinephrine, should be available at the vaccination location at all times. Vaccination locations that anticipate vaccinating large numbers of people (e.g., mass vaccination clinics) should plan adequate staffing and supplies (including epinephrine) for the assessment and potential management of anaphylaxis.
The following emergency equipment should be immediately available for the assessment and management of anaphylaxis.Medications and supplies for assessing and managing anaphylaxis
Should be available at all locations
If feasible, include at locations (not required)Epinephrine (e.g., prefilled syringe, autoinjector)*
Pulse oximeterH1 antihistamine (e.g., diphenhydramine, cetirizine)†
OxygenBlood pressure monitor‡
Bronchodilator (e.g., albuterol)Timing device to assess pulse
H2 antihistamine (e.g., famotidine, cimetidine)Intravenous fluidsIntubation kitPocket mask with one-way valve (also known as cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR] mask) sized for adults and children*COVID-19 vaccination locations should have **at least 3 doses** of age-appropriate epinephrine available at all times, and the ability to quickly obtain additional doses to replace supplies after epinephrine is administered to a patient. Locations that are administering COVID-19 vaccines to children <12 years should have age-appropriate supplies, including age-appropriate epinephrine dosing. People with a history of anaphylaxis who carry an epinephrine autoinjector could be reminded to bring it to their vaccination appointment. Detailed information on storage, handling, administration, and dosage considerations is available in the package inserts for epinephrine (e.g., EpiPen®). Expired epinephrine or epinephrine that appears to be in unacceptable condition (per the manufacturer’s package inserts) should be replaced.
†Antihistamines may be given as adjunctive treatment but should not be used as initial or sole treatment for anaphylaxis. Additionally, caution should be used if oral medications are administered to people with impending airway obstruction.
‡Either an automated or a manual blood pressure monitor, with appropriate cuff sizes, is acceptable. If a manual blood pressure monitor is used, a stethoscope should also be available.
Post-vaccination observation periods
Providers should consider observing all vaccine recipients for 15 minutes after vaccination for syncope, per the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ General Best Practice Guidelines.
Additionally, providers should consider observing people with the following medical histories for 30 minutes after COVID-19 vaccination to monitor for allergic reactions:
An allergy-related contraindication to a different type of COVID-19 vaccine
Non-severe, immediate (onset within 4 hours) allergic reaction after a previous dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Anaphylaxis after non-COVID-19 vaccines or injectable therapiesEarly recognition of anaphylaxis
Because anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment, diagnosis is primarily made based on recognition of clinical signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms in adults and children include:
**Respiratory**: sensation of throat closing or tightness, stridor (high-pitched sound while breathing), hoarseness, respiratory distress (such as shortness of breath or wheezing), coughing, trouble swallowing/drooling, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing
**Gastrointestinal**: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or cramps
**Cardiovascular**: dizziness; fainting; tachycardia (abnormally fast heart rate); hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure); pulse difficult to find or “weak”; cyanosis (bluish discoloration); pallor; flushing
**Skin/mucosal**: generalized hives; widespread redness; itching; conjunctivitis; or swelling of eyes, lips, tongue, mouth, face, or extremities
**Neurologic**: agitation; convulsions; acute change in mental status; sense of impending doom (a feeling that something bad is about to happen)
**Other**: sudden increase in secretions (from eyes, nose, or mouth); urinary incontinence
**Anaphylaxis should be considered when signs or symptoms are generalized (i.e., if there are generalized hives or more than one body system is involved) or are serious or life-threatening in nature, even if they involve a single body system (e.g., hypotension, respiratory distress, or significant swelling of the tongue or lips).**
Symptoms of anaphylaxis often occur within 15-30 minutes of vaccination, though it can sometimes take several hours for symptoms to appear. Early signs of anaphylaxis can resemble a mild allergic reaction, and it is often difficult to predict whether initial, mild symptoms will progress to become an anaphylactic reaction. In addition, symptoms of anaphylaxis might be more difficult to recognize in people with communication difficulties, such as long-term care facility residents with cognitive impairment, those with neurologic disease, or those taking medications that can cause sedation. Not all symptoms listed above are necessarily present during anaphylaxis, and not all patients have skin reactions.
More information on potential characteristics of allergic reactions, vasovagal reactions, and vaccine side effects following COVID-19 vaccination can be found in the Appendix.
**If anaphylaxis is suspected, administer epinephrine as soon as possible, contact emergency medical services, and transfer patients to a higher level of medical care**. In addition, instruct patients to seek immediate medical care if they develop signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction after their observation period ends and they have left the vaccination location.
Management of anaphylaxis at a COVID-19 vaccination locationIf anaphylaxis is suspected, take the following steps:
Rapidly assess airway, breathing, circulation, and mentation (mental activity).
Call for emergency medical services (EMS).
Place the patient in a supine position (face up), with feet elevated, unless upper airway obstruction is present, or the patient is vomiting.
Epinephrine (1 mg/ml aqueous solution [1:1000 dilution]) is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis and should be administered immediately.
In adults, administer a 0.3 mg intramuscular dose using a premeasured or prefilled syringe, or an autoinjector, in the mid-outer thigh (through clothing if necessary).
The maximum adult dose is 0.5 mg per dose.
In children, administer 0.01mg/kg intramuscular dose (which may only be possible in certain clinics or medical offices), or administer a standard dosage using the epinephrine autoinjector.
For children15 kg (33 lbs.) to <30 kg (66 lbs.), administer the 0.15 mg epinephrine autoinjector (FDA product insert). The 0.15mg epinephrine autoinjector can also be used for children 7.5 kg (16.5 lbs.) to <15 kg (33 lbs.) when other alternatives are not available (American Academy of Pediatrics).
For children ≥30 kg (66 lbs.), administer the 0.30 mg epinephrine autoinjector (FDA product insert).
The maximum child dose is 0.3 mg per dose in prepubertal child and 0.5 mg in an adolescent.
Administer in the mid-outer thigh (through clothing if necessary).
A dose of epinephrine may be repeated approximately every 5-15 minutes if symptoms do not improve or if they return while waiting for EMS. The number and timing of epinephrine doses should be recorded and communicated to EMS.
Because of the acute, life-threatening nature of anaphylaxis, there are no contraindications to epinephrine administration.
Antihistamines (e.g., H1 or H2 antihistamines) and bronchodilators do not treat airway obstruction or hypotension and, thus, are not first-line treatments for anaphylaxis. Although they can help provide relief for hives and itching (antihistamines) or symptoms of respiratory distress (bronchodilators), in a patient with anaphylaxis they should only be administered *after*epinephrine*.* Administration of antihistamines to COVID-19 vaccine recipients prior to vaccination to prevent anaphylaxis is not recommended.
Because anaphylaxis may recur after patients begin to recover, **monitoring in a medical facility for at least four hours**is advised, even after complete resolution of symptoms and signs.Considerations for anaphylaxis management in special populations*Children <12 Years*
Facilities providing COVID-19 vaccines for children aged <12 years should ensure they have age and size appropriate emergency supplies on hand. Symptoms of anaphylaxis in children are similar to those seen in adults. Children <25 kg (55 lbs) require lower dosing of epinephrine for management of anaphylaxis. Pediatric autoinjectors are available in 0.15mg and 0.30 mg doses.
*Older adults, including long-term care facility residents*
There are no contraindications to the administration of epinephrine for the treatment of anaphylaxis. Although adverse cardiac events, such as myocardial infarction or acute coronary syndrome, have been reported in some patients who received epinephrine for treatment of anaphylaxis (particularly among older adults with hypertension and/or atherosclerotic heart disease), epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. It is important that locations providing vaccination to older adults, including long-term care facility residents, have staff members available who are able to recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis. This will help not only to ensure appropriate and prompt treatment for patients with anaphylaxis, but also to avoid unnecessary epinephrine administration to patients who do not have anaphylaxis.
*Pregnant people*
Pregnant people with anaphylaxis should be managed in the same manner as non-pregnant people. As with all patients with anaphylaxis, they should be transported to a medical facility where they and their fetus can be closely monitored to ensure adequate perfusion.
*Homebound people requiring home vaccination services*
Homebound people who might be at increased risk for anaphylaxis following vaccination (i.e., people with a precaution to vaccination or those with a history of anaphylaxis due to any cause) should consider whether they could be vaccinated in a setting where medical care is immediately available if they experience anaphylaxis following vaccination. If home vaccination is the only option for these people and, through risk assessment, it is determined that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risk for anaphylaxis, home vaccination providers should ensure they are able to manage anaphylaxis. This includes appropriate screening; post-vaccination observation; medications and supplies; staff qualifications for recognition and treatment of anaphylaxis; ability to call for EMS; and location in an area where EMS is available.Patient counseling
Patients who experience a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine should be instructed not to receive additional doses of the same type vaccine; if the dose received was an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, the patient should not receive additional doses of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. In addition, patients may be referred to an allergist-immunologist for appropriate work-up and additional counseling.
Reporting anaphylaxis
Anyone can report any adverse events, including anaphylaxis, that occur in a recipient following COVID-19 vaccination, to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Vaccination providers administering a COVID-19 vaccine that is under Emergency Use Authorization are required by the Food and Drug Administration to report vaccine administration errors, serious adverse events, cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, and cases of COVID-19 that result in hospitalization or death. Reporting is also encouraged for any other clinically significant adverse event, even if it is uncertain whether the vaccine caused the event. Refer to the VAERS website or call 1-800-822-7967 for more information on how to submit a report to VAERS. In addition, CDC has developed a new, voluntary, smartphone-based tool, called “**v-safe**,” that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide patients with near real-time health check-ins after they receive a COVID-19 vaccination. CDC/v-safe call center representatives will follow up on reports of medically significant health impacts to collect additional information and complete a VAERS report. Learn more about **v-safe** on CDC’s website.
Additional resourcesACIP Rapid overview: Emergent management of anaphylaxis in infants and children
ACIP Rapid overview: Emergent management of anaphylaxis in adults
Immunization Action Coalition: Medical Management of Vaccine Reactions in Adults
Immunization Action Coalition: Medical Management of Vaccine Reactions in Children and Teens
Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers (fda.gov)
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers (fda.gov)
Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers (fda.gov)References
Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the United States
Lieberman P, et al. “Anaphylaxis: A practice parameter update.” Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2015; 115(5): 341-384. doi: 10.1016/j.anai.2015.07.019.
Shaker MS, et al. “Anaphylaxis—a 2020 practice parameter update, systematic review, and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) analysis.” Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2020;145(4):1082-1123. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.01.017.
Sicherer SH, Simons FER; SECTION ON ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY. Epinephrine for First-aid Management of Anaphylaxis. Pediatrics. 2017;139(3):e20164006. doi:10.1542/peds.2016-4006Top of PageAppendix: Potential characteristics of allergic reactions, vasovagal reactions, and vaccine side effects following COVID-19 vaccination
In patients who experience post-vaccination symptoms, determining the etiology (including allergic reaction, vasovagal reaction, or vaccine side effects) is important to determine whether a person can receive further doses of the vaccine. The following table of signs and symptoms is meant to serve as a resource but might not be exhaustive, and patients might not have all signs or symptoms. Vaccination providers should use their clinical judgement when assessing patients to determine the diagnosis and management.
Appendix: Potential characteristics of allergic reactions, vasovagal reactions, and vaccine side effects following COVID-19 vaccination
Characteristic
Allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis)
Vasovagal reaction
Vaccine side effects (local and systemic)Timing after vaccination
Most occur within 15-30 minutes of vaccination
Most occur within 15 minutes
Median of 1 to 3 days after vaccination (with most occurring the day after vaccination)Signs and symptomsConstitutional
Feeling of impending doom
Feeling warm or cold
Fever, chills, fatigueCutaneous
Skin symptoms present in ~90% of people with anaphylaxis, including pruritus, urticaria, flushing, angioedema
Pallor, diaphoresis, clammy skin, sensation of facial warmth
Pain, erythema, or swelling at injection site; lymphadenopathy in same arm as vaccinationNeurologic
Confusion, disorientation, dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, loss of consciousness
Dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope (often after prodromal symptoms for a few seconds or minutes), weakness, changes in vision (such as spots of flickering lights, tunnel vision), changes in hearing
HeadacheRespiratory
Shortness of breath, wheezing, bronchospasm, stridor, hypoxia
Variable; if accompanied by anxiety, might have an elevated respiratory rate
N/ACardiovascular
Hypotension, tachycardia
Variable; might have hypotension or bradycardia during syncopal event
N/AGastrointestinal
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea
Nausea, vomiting
Vomiting or diarrhea might occurMusculoskeletal
N/A
N/A
Myalgia, arthralgia**Vaccine and clinical management recommendations**Can receive a subsequent dose of COVID-19 vaccine?
See Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Appendix C
Yes
YesNote: Severe allergic reactions include:
Possible anaphylaxis, a progressive life-threatening reaction that typically includes urticaria but also with other symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, or low blood pressure
Any angioedema affecting the airway (i.e., tongue, uvula, or larynx)
Diffuse rash which also involves mucosal surfaces (e.g., Stevens-Johnson Syndrome)Non-severe allergic reactions may include:
Urticaria (hives) beyond the injection site
Angioedema (visible swelling) involving lips, facial skin, or skin in other locations. NOTE: Any angioedema affecting the airway (i.e., tongue, uvula, or larynx) would NOT be in this category and is considered a severe allergic reactionPrevious Updates
Revisions made Feb 11, 2022
Added table for potential characteristics of allergic reactions, vasovagal reactions, and vaccine side effects following COVID-19 vaccination.Revisions made Nov 3, 2021
Considerations broadened to include children aged 5–11 years.Revisions made March 3, 2021
Considerations broadened to include use of Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine.Revisions made February 10, 2021
Personnel, medications, and supplies for assessing and managing anaphylaxis: This section has been expanded to indicate that trained personnel qualified to recognize and treat symptoms of anaphylaxis should be available at vaccination locations at all times. The recommendations for medications and supplies have also been updated.
Early recognition of anaphylaxis: This section has been updated to provide additional information related to anaphylaxis symptoms.
Special populations: This section has been updated with considerations for anaphylaxis management of homebound people requiring home vaccination services.
							
					
							Last Reviewed:  September 2, 2022						Source: 	National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
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