CDC reports on allergic reactions to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine

Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, occurred in 11.1 cases per million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine administered in the United States during the week of Dec. 14, 2020. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised all locations administering COVID-19 vaccines to screen recipients for contraindications, have supplies available to manage anaphylaxis, implement the recommended post-vaccination observation periods and immediately treat suspected cases of anaphylaxis with an intramuscular injection of epinephrine. (MMWR article, 1/6/21)