A WARNING has been put out after two people suffered allergic reactions when taking the Covid-19 vaccine in the UK.
Less than 24 hours after Britain's mass inoculation rollout kicked off, two NHS staff members suffered "anaphylactic reactions" after being given the jab.
The two patients, who were among thousands to receive the vaccine on Tuesday, are understood to have had histories of allergic reactions, and carry EpiPens at all times.
Both are believed to be in good health and are now recovering.
On Wednesday, the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) gave precautionary advice to anyone who has a history of 'significant' allergic reactions to not receive this particular vaccine - which was supplied by Pfizer.
"As is common with new vaccines, the MHRA have advised on a precautionary basis that people with a history of significant allergic reactions do not receive this vaccination after two people with a history of significant allergic reactions responded adversely yesterday," said Prof. Stephen Powis, National Medical Doctor for the NHS.
The advice given by the MHRA states: "Any person with a history of significant allergic reaction to a vaccine, medicine or food (such as previous history of anaphylactoid reaction or those who have been advised to carry an adrenaline auto-injector) should not receive the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine.
"Resuscitation facilities should be available at all times for all vaccinations. Vaccinations should only be carried out in facilities where resuscitation measures are available."
Despite the setback, the UK government is continuing to vaccinate around 7,000 people per day, with 800,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine already in stock, with millions more on the way.
