COVID-19 Vaccine Safety–Anaphylaxis and Allergic Reactions

Tom Shimabukuro, MD, MPH, MBA, is the Deputy Director of the Immunization Safety Office at the CDC, specializing in vaccine safety. He discusses the rare allergic reactions linked to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, emphasizing the low incidence of anaphylaxis and reassuring those with allergies about vaccine safety. Shimabukuro breaks down the protocols for managing anaphylaxis and the rigorous testing that underpins mRNA vaccines. He addresses public concerns while underscoring the importance of vaccines for healthcare workers and patients.