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. 2021 Jul 14:2:690837.
doi: 10.3389/falgy.2021.690837. eCollection 2021.

Consensus Statements on the Approach to COVID-19 Vaccine Allergy Safety in Hong Kong

Valerie Chiang  1 , Agnes S Y Leung  2 , Elaine Y L Au  1 , Marco H K Ho  3 , Tak Hong Lee  4 , Adrian Y Y Wu  5 , Gary W K Wong  2 , Philip H Li  6
Affiliations

Consensus Statements on the Approach to COVID-19 Vaccine Allergy Safety in Hong Kong

Valerie Chiang et al. Front Allergy. .

Abstract

Background: Mass coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination to achieve herd immunity is an effective means to mitigate the current COVID-19 pandemic. Reports of COVID-19 vaccine-associated allergic reactions and lack of clear local guidance are contributing factors leading to a low vaccine acceptance rate in the community. A task force of experts from the Hong Kong Institute of Allergy (HKIA) has been formed to address current needs. Objective: To formulate a set of consensus statements (CS) on COVID-19 vaccine allergy safety (VAS) in Hong Kong. Methods: A nominated task force of experts managing patients with drug and vaccine allergies in Hong Kong formulated the CS by the Delphi method. An agreement was a priori defined as ≥80% consensus. Results: A total of 11 statements met the criteria for consensus with good overall agreement among task force members, including seven statements on pre-vaccination recommendations and four statements on vaccination and post-vaccination guidance. Individuals with a history of suspected allergic reaction to prior COVID-19 vaccination should not receive further COVID-19 vaccination, and other groups at risk of COVID-19 vaccine-associated allergic reactions have been identified. The importance of pre-vaccination and post-vaccination assessment by frontline healthcare workers and evaluation by allergists are highlighted. Conclusion: The CS provides pragmatic and timely guidance for local frontline healthcare providers on decisions regarding COVID-19 VAS.

Keywords: COVID19; Hong Kong; allergy; consensus; safety; vaccine.

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Conflict of interest statement

AW is a consultant of ALK-Abelló A/S and director of Ksena Healthcare Ltd. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Graphical summary of consensus statements (CS).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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