Los Angeles Allergist

Los Angeles Allergist

Alan Khadavi, MD, APC
  • Home
  • Meet Dr. Khadavi
  • Conditions We Treat
  • Your First Visit
  • Insurance Accepted
  • Allergy and Asthma Info
    • Asthma Info
    • Allergic Rhinitis
    • Allergic Triggers
  • Blog
  • Media
  • Contact Us

9001 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 204
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Phone: 310-282-8822

16260 Ventura Blvd., Suite 140
Encino, CA 91436
Phone: 818-528-7776

November 1, 2021 by Alan Khadavi

PEG Allergy and Vaccine Allergy

PEG allergy has become an important topic since the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. There are 2 messenger RNA vaccines that have been approved in multiple countries around the world.

Pfizer Covid Vaccine and Allergy

Moderna Covid Vaccine and Allergy

There are 3 adenovirus vector vaccines as well. Johnson and Johnson Covid Vaccine and Allergy

Since the vaccine rollout, there have been reports of reactions, particularly with the mRNA vaccines.

Allergic Reactions to Covid Vaccines an update

Both mRNA vaccines contain polyethylene glycol (PEG). The labeled contraindications to this vaccine are an allergy to PEG or another vaccine ingredient. Although PEG is a suspect allergen of the mRNA vaccine, it has not been confirmed as the cause of reactions.

A recent study published in the Annals of Allergy Asthma and Immunology “Primary care provider-reported prevalence of vaccine and polyethylene glycol allergy in Canada”, looked at the prevalance of vaccine and PEG allergy.

The study showed the prevalence of vaccine allergy was 0.037% (395/1,055,677). PEG allergy was 0.00009% (10/1,055,677).

PEG is in common in certain medications, here are some but not all:

  • Macrogel
  • Methylprednisolone acetate
  • Methyoxy polyethylene glycol epoetin beta
  • Pegfilgrastim (Neulasta)
  • Depo-Provera
  • Brilliant Blue G Ophthalmic Solution
  • Sulfur hexaflouride
  • Durysta
  • Trastuzumab
  • Rilonacept
  • Perflutren lipid microsphere

Based on these results PEG allergy is very rare. Testing is very limited for PEG in COVID vaccines and it is based on history from this study. PEG is not in the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, although it contains Polysorbate 80 which may or may not be a source of allergic reactions.

Overall though, the study shows that there is a very low prevalence of vaccine allergy and even lower PEG allergy. Always speak to your doctor if there is any concern of possible allergic reactions in the past, but any history of asthma or allergies is not a contraindication to the Covid-19 vaccines.

Filed Under: Blog, Headlines, Medications

alan-khadavi
Dr. Alan Khadavi
Allergy & Asthma Specialist

Latest Posts

November 16, 2023

Cranberry Allergy: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

cranberry allergy

November 14, 2023

Difelikefalin for Eczema, a potential new oral medication

difelikefalin

October 31, 2023

Pumpkin Allergy: Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Management

pumpkin allergy

October 23, 2023

Can I have a Caffeine Allergy?

caffeine allergy

October 11, 2023

Cinnamon Allergy: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management

cinnamon allergy

October 9, 2023

Black Pepper Allergy: Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management

black pepper allergy

October 3, 2023

Olive Allergy: An Overview of Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management

olive allergy

September 22, 2023

How to treat Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

eosinophilic esophagitis treatment

September 14, 2023

Barley Allergy: Diagnosis and Management

barley allergy

September 11, 2023

Can the Covid Vaccine cause Hives?

covid vaccine and hives

Read More Posts...

Follow Us…

© 2023 Allergy Los Angeles. All Rights Reserved · Log in · Return to top of page