This will depend on the vaccine. The following groups should NOT receive the vaccine: people who had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and people who have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine.
People who have a history of a severe allergic reaction to any vaccine or injectable medical therapy (intramuscular, intravenous, or sub-cutaneous medicines) may receive the vaccine, however the CDC recommends that they be observed for at least 30 minutes after vaccination (instead of the usual 15 minutes of observation).
CDC recommends that people with a history of severe allergic reactions not related to vaccines or injectable medications—such as allergies to food, pet, venom, environmental, or latex—may still get vaccinated. People with a history of allergies to oral medications or a family history of severe allergic reactions, or who might have an milder allergy to vaccines (no anaphylaxis)—may also still get vaccinated. If you have a severe allergic reaction after getting the first shot, you should not get the second shot.
If you have had a severe reaction within four hours of taking polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysorbate, you should not get the vaccine. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist in allergies and immunology to provide more care or advice.
CDC recommends that the COVID-19 vaccine should not be given for at least 90 days after a person receives antibody therapy to avoid the possibility that the antibody therapy interferes with the body’s ability to make antibodies.
updated 12/30/20