Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I have allergies?...

It depends on what you are allergic to. If you have a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction to any parts of the vaccine (like polyethylene glycol - PEG - which is common in laxatives), then you should not receive the vaccine. Or, if you have had a life threatening reaction to a previous dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or to any other part of the vaccine.

A history of allergies or a past reaction to a different vaccine does not mean you cannot receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Please tell your immunization provider if:

• you have had anaphylaxis but no cause was found after seeing an allergy specialist
• you had anaphylaxis before and did not see an allergy specialist
• you have had a serious reaction or anaphylaxis to a vaccine or its ingredients 

ImmunizeBC Nurse