HKSH-HKU Joint Study: Nearly 98% of the First Batch of People with History of Allergies Screened by Vaccine Allergy Safety Clinics were Eventually Recommended for Vaccination

(16 February 2022, Hong Kong) A recent study by Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital (HKSH) and LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) reveals that 98% of the allergic patients previously deemed to be at risk of COVID-19 vaccine-associated allergy were recommended for vaccination after allergist evaluation at Vaccine Allergy Safety (VAS) clinics between February and June 2021.

The research team found that COVID-19 vaccination has been proven to be safe for patients who were previously deemed at higher risk of vaccine-associated allergic reactions. Unnecessary referrals for VAS screening would cause long waiting time for assessment and delays in vaccination. They also advised the concerned authorities the pressing need to reform the workflow of suspected COVID-19 vaccine-associated allergies including updating the current Hong Kong Institute of Allergyand Department of Health guidance to remove non-COVID19 vaccine (or related excipient) associated anaphylaxis as a precaution for COVID-19 vaccination.

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