Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Global (Aug 2023)

Overdiagnosis of vaccine allergy: Skin testing and challenge at a public specialized unit (CRIE) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

  • Luciana Gomes Pedro Brandão, PhD, MSc, MD,
  • Mari Tuyama, PhD, MSc, MD,
  • Flávio de Carvalho, MSc, RN,
  • Ananza Taina da Silva Santos, MSc, RN,
  • Alberto dos Santos de Lemos, MSc, MD,
  • Marcellus Dias da Costa, MSc, MD,
  • Emersom Cicilini Mesquita, PhD, MSc, MD,
  • José Cerbino-Neto, PhD, MSc, MD,
  • Margareth Catoia Varela, MSc,
  • Pedro Emmanuel Alvarenga Americano do Brasil, PhD, MSc, MD,
  • Angélica Varela Rondon, MSc, MD

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2, no. 3
p. 100101

Abstract

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Background: Vaccination is an extremely safe public health intervention, but rare IgE-mediated adverse events must be identified to avoid the risk of anaphylaxis in the event of reexposure. However, using only clinical history to diagnose previous allergic reactions may lead to overdiagnosis of vaccine allergy and even to the use of medical exemptions as a subterfuge to mandatory vaccination. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study to describe the outcomes of patients with a history of vaccine or vaccine component allergy who were evaluated at our unit from 2011 to 2017. Data on allergy history, skin test results, vaccines prescribed, and adverse events were retrieved from the medical records at the Centro de Referência para Imunobiológicos Especiais (Reference Center of Special Immunobiologicals)–Fiocruz, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Results: Of 34 adults with history of allergy to vaccine or vaccine components, 32 (94.1%) were successfully vaccinated without serious adverse events after our evaluation. In 12 patients (35%), the time elapsed between the allergy symptoms and evaluation in the Centro de Referência para Imunobiológicos Especiais–Fiocruz was more than 10 years. Conclusion: Specialized care and use of skin tests allowed safe vaccination of the majority of patients. An objective, systematic evaluation of a history of vaccine allergy can prevent its improper use to avoid mandatory vaccination and reduce missed opportunities for immunization.

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