Fear, facts, and the future: An update on coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine-induced anaphylaxis and vaccine hesitancy among those living with allergy.

BACKGROUND

Despite the low incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine-induced allergic reactions reported to date, concerns of such reactions have been reported in the literature among individuals with and without a history of allergic disease.

OBJECTIVES

Herein, we provide an update to a previous scoping review published by our group, focusing on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in relation to allergy and the incidence of anaphylactic reactions to COVID-19 vaccines.

METHODS

The current review follows an protocol drafted in accordance with Arksey and O'Malley's framework for methodological reviews. A comprehensive search was conducted on 4 scientific databases (CINAHL, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Embase) to identify eligible studies published since our initial review. Eligible articles included those published between February 12, 2022, and November 10, 2023, and were retrieved using an established search process developed by content and methodological experts. Among the 2,099 unique citations, 45 articles (2.1%) were included.

RESULTS

Consistent with previously reviewed literature, COVID-19 vaccine-induced anaphylaxis remains rare among both those with allergies and the general population. Despite the rarity of anaphylaxis, hesitancy persists among individuals with and without allergies.

CONCLUSIONS

To prepare for future pandemics, it is evident that more efforts are needed to address concerns regarding the potential for allergic reactions following vaccination. As part of this process, it is important to ensure medical professionals are updated as new information becomes available and that evidence-based risk communication is accurate, accessible, and culturally appropriate.