Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Health what vaccination provision will be made available to healthcare workers that Health and Social Care Trusts have decided the Pfizer vaccine would not be suitable due to history of severe allergic reactions.
Minister of Health: The Pfizer vaccine contains polyethylene glycol (PEG), which is from a group of known allergens commonly found in medicines and also in household goods and cosmetics. The AstraZeneca does not contain PEG and is therefore a suitable alternative.
Known allergy to PEG is extremely rare but health and care workers with this allergy will have been offered AstraZeneca.
A COVID-19 vaccine is only approved once it has met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness as set out by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Anyone with concerns because of a history of allergic reaction should seek advice from their GP or healthcare professional.
The member may find more information at:-
ENDS
Your MLA 