Who can't have the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine?
The Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has an excellent safety profile and there are only a handful of people (fewer than 100) in Aotearoa who cannot receive it at all. Almost everyone can have at least one dose. The list of reasons why the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine may not be suitable is short:
Before the first dose:
- History of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to an ingredient of the vaccine. This is very rare, and only applies to previous anaphylaxis to a stabiliser in the vaccine called polyethylene glycol (PEG). However, this is often unclear as problems with PEG most commonly occur after having it by mouth and there may not be any problem with having it in a vaccine. Cases like this require expert assessment by an immunology specialist.
After problems with the first dose:
- People who had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after the first dose – this typically occurs within 15 minutes of receiving it and is the main reason for waiting after vaccination. Even when suspected anaphylaxis has occurred after the first dose, increasing experience now shows that many people can be revaccinated safely in a specialist immunology clinic setting.
- Those who had myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart) after their first dose of this vaccine. Myocarditis or pericarditis after the vaccine is rare. Diagnosis requires special tests and often assessment by a heart specialist.
Find more information about who can't have the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine here.
Last updated: 12 October 2021