The Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology is encouraging patients to take COVID-19 vaccines.
The group stated this in a position paper in relation to COVID-19 vaccines and their adverse reactions.
Dr. Radela Yvonne Ramos-Cortes, an allergologist based in Bacolod City, said she accepted the Sinovac for herself to experience and personally observe its possible adverse effects for their patients with different types of allergies.
Cortes is one of the five doctors, who were the first recipients of the China-made vaccine in a ceremonial rollout held Friday at the Bacolod Government Center.
She encouraged patients with history of allergy to food, airborne allergens, insects, fumes from latex rubber and medications not related to the vaccine components to consider accepting the Covid -19 vaccines for protection and safety than face danger when infected of Covid-19.
A vaccinated patient is helping in finding solutions for the pandemic, she said.
Even those who have well-controlled bronchial asthma are encouraged to take the vaccines, but those with immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases can be given the vaccine with precautions by their physician.
Only those with allergic reactions after taking the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly its components such as polyethylene glycol, are advised not to proceed with the second dose.
Not all adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccination is allergy but rather a common side effect of pain, redness and swelling, muscle pain near the injected area.
Some patients, but not common, got headache, fatigue, fever and chills which can be managed by taking paracetamol or pain reliever.
Patient should take plenty of fluids and put cold compress on the injected site.
Less common anaphylaxis is when a patient experiences hives/swelling, coughing/sneezing, itchy nose and itchy and red eyes.
The treatment for this type of reactions is anti-allergy medicines and continued maintenance of medicine for asthma and allergic rhinitis, Cortes said.
The Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology believes it is, much better to take the vaccine not only to protect people from getting infected with the COVID-19, but also to provide additional protection on top of preventive measures required by the Department of Health such as wearing of face mask and face shield, handwashing, and physical distancing and interaction time of not more than 30 minutes. – MML
