(CMR) Two health care workers in Juneau, Alaska, had adverse reactions after taking the COVID-19 vaccine earlier this week.
The workers, who received the Pfizer vaccine on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, have been treated, and one has already recovered fully, Bartlett Regional Hospital reported.
The first employee had an anaphylactic reaction to the vaccine 10 minutes after being vaccinated on Tuesday, making her the first person in the U.S. to have a severe reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine.
The middle-aged woman, who had no history of allergies, had an elevated heart rate and a rash on her face and torso. She was treated with epinephrine and was given steroids for her anaphylactic reaction.
The second employee experienced eye puffiness, lightheadedness, and a scratchy throat within ten minutes of being vaccinated. He was administered epinephrine, along with Pepcid and Benadryl, and recovered within an hour.
Two UK health care workers also experienced adverse reactions after they were vaccinated last week. They have since recovered.
US health authorities have warned doctors to be on the lookout for rare allergic reactions to the vaccine, rolled out in the country at the start of this week.
The CDC recommends people who have had an allergic reaction to the first dose of the vaccine should not receive a second dose.
Millions of Americans are expected to receive the Pfizer vaccine by the end of the year.
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