Canadians who have had an allergic reaction to first dose of vaccine can safely get second dose, advisory committee says

After reviewing the evidence from recent studies, NACI said it found that most people who had an immediate allergic reaction did not have a similar reaction when given a second dose.

Previously, NACI advised against offering second doses ‘routinely’ to people with severe allergic reactions after their first injection, saying second injections should only be offered in such cases when a risk assessment concludes that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risk of allergy. .

“This is good news in many ways,” said Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada, of NACI’s new advisory today.

“Now there is an opportunity for some of these people to get their full protection.”

WATCH: Chief public health officer calls new guidelines on allergic reactions to vaccine doses “good news”

The Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology says allergic reactions to vaccination, including the most serious, are extremely rare. Studies suggest that the estimated annual rate of these serious reactions in Canada is approximately 0.4 to 1.8 cases per million doses of vaccine administered.

According to Health Canada’s vaccine adverse reaction review, 307 cases of anaphylaxis have been reported nationwide, out of more than 56 million doses of COVID-19 administered.

Precautions still needed

But Friday’s updated guidelines come with some recommended precautions.

The advisory committee says those who have had an allergic reaction after their first dose should see an allergist or doctor before going for their second injection. The committee says they should also be observed for half an hour after receiving the second dose, rather than the 15-minute routine.

Tam said the vaccine should also be given under “close supervision” by a doctor.

“Just with a little more care this population can be safely vaccinated,” Tam said.

Some doctors and allergists have noted a slight increase in the number of Canadians seeking medical exemptions from vaccination requirements due to allergic fears.

Tam said such an exemption could be granted but would depend on an individual assessment by a doctor or allergist.

WATCH: Tam is asked if an allergic reaction qualifies for a medical exemption from vaccination

Tam is asked if an allergic reaction qualifies for a medical exemption from vaccination

Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, says a severe allergic reaction could qualify a person for a medical exemption from vaccination if approved by a doctor. 1:08

Travel advisory lifted

Despite a change in the government’s travel advisory, public health officials still warn against travel outside of Canada.

On Thursday, the government quietly lifted a blanket warning against all non-essential travel outside the country that had been in place since the pandemic was declared in March 2020.

WATCH: Chief Public Health Officer defends PCR testing rule for travelers entering Canada

Chief Public Health Officer defends PCR testing rule for travelers entering Canada

Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, says COVID-19 is still alive and well outside our borders and mandatory PCR testing for travelers arriving here is still needed. 2:06

But Tam said she would always advise against non-essential travel and added that the general warning has been lifted to allow officials to look at situations country by country.

“The pandemic is alive and well. There are certainly still risks associated with travel,” she said. “Now is not the time to go anywhere free.”

Tam said Canadians who choose to travel should be fully immunized at least 14 days in advance and closely examine the COVID-19 situation in the chosen destination.