2nd probable anaphylactic reaction to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in Alaska reported in Fairbanks

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ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – An employee of Foundation Health Partners in Fairbanks experienced what was likely an anaphylactic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine Thursday afternoon.

The employee, a woman and a clinician, had no known allergies but had previously had an adverse reaction to a bee sting. In a statement, Foundation Health Partners said the employee was being monitored after receiving the vaccine when she began to experience anaphylactic symptoms 10 minutes later.

Much like the first anaphylactic reaction to the vaccine in the United States in Juneau, the Fairbanks woman experienced swelling and difficulty breathing. She was taken to the emergency room and received two doses of epinephrine at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. She was released six hours after receiving epinephrine.

“Allergic reactions, although rare, can occur with injections of drugs and vaccines,” Chief Medical Officer Dr. Angelique Ramirez said in a prepared statement. “That’s why our staff are trained and prepared to respond to any symptoms of anaphylaxis. Our employee is fine and was able to return home yesterday.

While Foundation Health Partners said the employee asked to remain anonymous, the foundation released a statement on her behalf encouraging people to get vaccinated.

“Anaphylaxis is a rare but expected potential side effect that is treatable and does not have long-term health implications like COVID,” the employee said in a written statement. “I would get the vaccine and recommend it to anyone, despite my reaction, to help our country get vaccinated, which is necessary for the health of all Americans, for the economy, for families to be vaccinated. ‘are kissing again, to get the kids back to school and to put the country on the other side of this pandemic. I have seen firsthand the suffering and death of COVID patients and my adverse reaction to the vaccine is petty compared to what the COVID infection can do to people.

Pfizer also sent a statement regarding the reaction on Friday, saying they are still evaluating reports with health authorities:

“We don’t yet have full details of Alaska’s recent report on a potential severe allergic reaction, but we are actively working with local health officials to assess. We will closely monitor any reports suggesting serious allergic reactions after vaccination and update the labeling language as necessary. The prescribing information contains a clear warning / precaution that appropriate medical treatment and monitoring should always be readily available in the event of a rare anaphylactic event following administration of the vaccine.

Participants in our Phase 3 trial were excluded if they had a history of a serious vaccine-associated adverse reaction and / or a serious allergic reaction (eg, anaphylaxis) to any component of the investigational vaccine.

Overall, no safety signals of concern were identified in our clinical trials, including no signs of serious allergic reactions associated with the vaccine. However, adverse event reports outside of clinical studies are a very important part of our post-vaccination surveillance activities and we will review all available information on this case and any adverse event reports after vaccination.

The affected woman was among 300 Foundation Health Partners employees to be vaccinated Thursday. The COVID-19 vaccine arrived at Foundation Health Partners on Wednesday, and employees most exposed to COVID-19 at work were the first in line for immunizations. Vaccinations will take place until Saturday, Foundation Health Partners said.

The first anaphylactic reaction to the vaccine was reported Tuesday in a healthcare worker at Bartlett Regional Hospital in Juneau. The woman was put on an epinephrine drip and stayed in hospital for two nights, Bartlett officials said on Wednesday. Another staff member at Bartlett Regional Hospital also had an adverse reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday, although it was not as severe as an anaphylactic reaction, medical professionals said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that vaccine suppliers observe vaccinated patients for 15 to 30 minutes to watch for side effects. The advice came after two people in England had anaphylactic reactions to the vaccine.

This is breaking news. Check back for updates.

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