Is Moderna Vaccine Safe for Patients with Contrast Agent Allergies?

Moderna vaccine and issues related to contrast agent allergies?

Hello, Director Liao.
I would like to ask about my situation.
I belong to Category 9 of primary hypertension patients and have scheduled an appointment to receive the Moderna vaccine.
Today, I saw in the news that the Moderna vaccine is not suitable for individuals with a history of allergic reactions to contrast agents.
However, contrast agents are classified into ionic and non-ionic types.
I have a history of allergy to ionic contrast agents, but since around 2013, the National Health Insurance Administration has fully covered non-ionic contrast agents, and I have not experienced any allergic reactions after receiving non-ionic contrast agents.
Given this, am I suitable to receive the Moderna vaccine? Additionally, I have a history of hospitalization due to allergies to tetracycline or ampicillin, but I am unsure which one caused the reaction, as a physician prescribed both antibiotics simultaneously during that incident, making it difficult to confirm.
Would these allergies also affect the risk associated with receiving the vaccine? I appreciate your time in clarifying these concerns.
Thank you.

kimi, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/16

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, according to the current guidelines, individuals with a history of contrast agent allergy are advised to avoid receiving the Moderna vaccine.
This is possibly due to the similarity between the components of the vaccine and those found in contrast agents.
When considering the COVID-19 vaccination, please ensure that you inform your physician during the evaluation prior to vaccination.
Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2021/07/16

More Info

When considering the safety of the Moderna vaccine for individuals with a history of contrast agent allergies, it is important to understand the specifics of the allergy and the components of the vaccine itself. Based on your description, you have a known allergy to ionic contrast agents but have tolerated non-ionic contrast agents without issues. This distinction is crucial because the Moderna vaccine does not contain any components that are related to contrast agents.

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is an mRNA vaccine that primarily contains messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, along with lipids, salts, and sugars to stabilize the formulation. The ingredients do not include any components that would typically trigger an allergic reaction in someone with a contrast agent allergy. Therefore, based on your history of tolerating non-ionic contrast agents, it is generally considered safe for you to receive the Moderna vaccine.

However, it is important to note that individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to any vaccine component should consult with their healthcare provider before vaccination. In your case, since you have a history of allergies to tetracycline and ampicillin, it is advisable to inform the healthcare provider administering the vaccine about these allergies. While these antibiotics are not components of the Moderna vaccine, it is always prudent to discuss any past allergic reactions with your healthcare provider to ensure that appropriate precautions are taken.

In terms of the risk of an allergic reaction to the vaccine, the incidence of anaphylaxis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination is very low, estimated at about 2 to 5 cases per million doses administered. Most allergic reactions are mild and can be managed effectively. It is recommended that individuals with a history of allergies be monitored for at least 15 to 30 minutes after receiving the vaccine to ensure any potential allergic reactions can be promptly addressed.

Furthermore, if you have concerns about the specific components of the vaccine and their potential for causing an allergic reaction, you can request a consultation with an allergist or immunologist. They can provide a more detailed assessment of your allergy history and help determine the best course of action regarding vaccination.

In summary, based on your history of allergies, particularly to ionic contrast agents, and your experience with non-ionic agents, you should be able to safely receive the Moderna vaccine. Just ensure that you communicate your allergy history to the healthcare provider administering the vaccine, and follow any recommended monitoring protocols post-vaccination. This approach will help ensure your safety while allowing you to benefit from the protection offered by the vaccine against COVID-19.

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