Role of Allergist Advice in Determining Personal Decisions for COVID-19 Vaccination of People With a History of Allergies

Introduction Vaccination is the most important confirmed tool that can stop the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, but the vaccination rate remains low in some countries, including Romania, despite consistent and undoubtedly scientific proof of this disease-prevention method. The risk of allergic reactions after COVID-19 vaccines may be a reasonable cause for the antivaccination attitude of people with a history of allergies or who consider themselves at risk for having severe allergic reactions after vaccination. Objective Our paper aims to analyze the role of allergist advice in getting people with a history of allergies to trust and accept COVID-19 vaccines and to evaluate the real risk of allergic reactions to these vaccines in this population. Method We performed a retrospective study of patients who asked for allergist advice from our hospital before getting one of the COVID-19 vaccines and who received a consultation either through phone call or online or have been admitted for hospital evaluation in 2021. Results More than 300 calls and 100 online consultations for COVID-19 vaccination-related allergist advice were done in our center within one year. From the total number of 210 people who were evaluated based on a one-day hospital stay in the Allergology department, 64 patients (30.47%) have been scheduled for evaluation before vaccination because of their past or recent medical history of allergies. Nine patients had documented post-vaccination adverse events, which occurred after the first dose in seven cases, after the second dose in one case, and after the booster in one case. The reactions were mild but one was moderate. No patient was considered to have a contraindication or special precaution for COVID-19 vaccination, and all patients with reactions after the first dose could safely complete the vaccination scheme. Conclusion In conclusion, allergist advice and evaluation can significantly influence the decision to vaccinate in patients with a history of allergies.