Background

Anaphylaxis is a serious, potentially fatal allergic reaction and medical emergency that is rapid in onset and requires immediate medical attention regardless of use of emergency medication on site. It typically causes more than one of the following: an itchy rash, throat closing due to swelling which can obstruct or stop breathing; severe tongue swelling which can also interfere with or stop breathing; shortness of breath, vomiting, lightheadedness, loss of consciousness, low blood pressure, and medical shock. These symptoms typically start in minutes to hours and then increase very rapidly to life-threatening levels.

Publication Studied

Reports of Anaphylaxis After Receipt of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines in the US—December 14, 2020-January 18, 2021. Tom T. Shimabukuro, MD, MPH, MBA1; Matthew Cole, MPH2; John R. Su, MD,

Link to Publication

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2776557

Period of study

December 1, 2020 through January 18, 2021

Inclusion Criteria

MedDRA PTs:

• Diffuse erythematous rash+ sensation of throat closure
• Diffuse erythematous rash + swollen tongue
• Generalized urticaria+ wheezing
• Wheezing+ stridor+ nausea
• Generalized urticaria+ wheezing
• Diffuse erythematous rash+ difficulty breathing
• Diffuse erythematous rash+ hoarseness
• Generalized urticaria+ swollen lips and tongue
• Generalized urticaria+ stridor+ wheezing
• Generalized urticaria+ swollen throat
• Generalized urticaria+ nausea
• Generalized urticaria+ nausea
• Diffuse erythematous rash+swollen lip
• Diffuse erythematous rash+ persistent dry cough
• Diffuse pruritic rash+ hoarseness
• Generalized urticaria+ swollen airway
• Diffuse erythematous rash,+difficulty swallowing
• Generalized pruritis+wheezing
• Generalized urticaria+ swollen lips
• Generalized urticaria+ persistent cough
• Diffuse pruritic rash+ swollen lip