Challenges in diagnosing polyethylene glycol and polysorbate 80 allergies: implications for allergic reactions in COVID-19 mRNA vaccination program: experience from Qatar.

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 vaccination has been a key intervention in reducing the severity of symptoms; however, concerns about vaccine safety, particularly regarding allergic reactions, arose early on. Healthcare workers faced the challenge of addressing these concerns to ensure safe vaccine administration. This study aimed to review the practical aspects of using allergy skin testing for COVID-19 vaccine excipients in patients with a history of allergic reactions developed following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients who reported allergic reactions after the COVID-19 vaccine and underwent allergy skin testing for COVID-19 vaccine excipients in the Adult Allergy and Immunology Service at Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. The testing protocol, developed based on published data during the pandemic, included skin prick (SPT) and intradermal (ID) testing using medications containing polysorbate 80 and polyethylene glycol (PEG), the primary excipients in the COVID-19 vaccines suspected of triggering allergic responses.

RESULTS

Of the 88 patients reviewed, 38 reported different types of allergic reactions following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, with the majority being female. Anaphylaxis was reported in 21.1% of the patients, while the remaining experienced less severe allergic reactions. All patients underwent SPT and ID testing with PEG and polysorbate 80. By SPT, two patients tested positive for PEG and none for polysorbate 80. By ID, seven tested positive for polysorbate 80 and one for PEG. Among patients who experienced anaphylaxis, 50% had positive allergy test results. Twenty-three percent of patients with negative test results could receive additional vaccine doses without adverse reactions.

CONCLUSION

Managing patients with a history of allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine is challenging, as the exact mechanisms and accurate and valid allergy testing are yet to be determined. In our cohort, most patients had mild allergic reactions following vaccination. Excipients' allergy skin testing has helped to reduce vaccine hesitancy despite its questionable utility in clinical practice.