New York health worker has city’s first allergic reaction to COVID-19 vaccine

A New York City health worker has suffered a “significant allergic reaction” to a COVID-19 vaccine – the first “serious adverse event” to the bite in the Big Apple – and is in stable condition, said Wednesday officials.

“With over 30,000 COVID-19 vaccines administered in New York City, we have received only one report of a serious adverse event in a healthcare worker,” according to the city’s health department.

“Vaccines have side effects and allergic reactions – although rare – are known to occur,” the department added in a statement.

“We also know that, based on clinical trials and adverse reaction reports in other jurisdictions, reactions like these are rare, but have been reported with the Pfizer vaccine.”

The unidentified health worker is believed to be in stable condition after being treated for the reaction.

The health department said it was closely monitoring reports of more serious side effects in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“This is the first serious adverse event that we have encountered in New York,” he said.

“We will continue to move forward with the distribution of the coronavirus vaccine to ensure that healthcare workers, staff and residents of nursing homes are protected from COVID-19.”

Health officials did not disclose which vaccination the worker had received.