Can I still get the COVID-19 vaccine if I have allergies?
One of the most common questions medical professionals are getting about the vaccine is whether it is suitable for people with allergies. Here's what one doctor has to say.
This week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed that the UK is “currently vaccinating more than double the rate – per person per day – than any other country in Europe.”
According to Vaccines Deployment Minister Nadhim Zahawi, around 140 jabs are being handed out every minute on average.
17 mass vaccine sites have now been set up across England – with more to come before the end of the month (which could amount to 50 in total).
It’s safe to say that the vaccine programme is well and truly rolling, now – and it couldn’t have hit momentum at a better time.
According to health officials, there are more people currently in hospital with COVID than at any previous point during the pandemic.
But the vaccine is, we’re repeatedly told by ministers, our route out of this.
More than 4 million people have received the jab so far, and the rest of the country is steadily moving forward in the queue – with Over 60s likely to be invited in the second half of February.
But whilst some people await their turn with anticipation, others are expressing a hesitancy due to pre-existing conditions such as allergies.
This is complicated further, of course, by the fact there are two different jabs to consider (soon to be three when the Moderna vaccine hits the UK in spring), which have slightly different makeup.
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Dr Michael Barnish, Head of Nutrition & Genetics at REVIV, says the question he’s been asked most since the vaccine was rolled out is if the jab is safe for people with allergies.
“Historically, the number of true allergic reactions to vaccines is very low,” Dr Barnish tells us.
“In the United Kingdom, only one case of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) per million vaccine doses was reported between 1997 and 2003, with no fatalities at all.
“Many common side effects of vaccination such as localised pain and swelling at the site of injection or flu-like symptoms can be mistaken for allergy but are normal reactions to the vaccine.
“These normal reactions are not a reason to avoid the Pfizer/BioNTech or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.”
Dr Barnish has also stated that anyone who reacts badly to penicillin – one of the more common allergies to medicine – can safely receive either COVID jab.
The doctor adds that people with latex allergies, too, can have both vaccines – but should make their physician aware of their condition before going ahead.
“The Pfizer/BioNtech and AstraZeneca vaccines are supplied in vials that have a stopper made from synthetic forms of rubber, which does not contain any dry natural rubber (latex),” he explains.
“But it is still important to let your Healthcare Provider know about your latex allergy in order to ensure they do not use any latex containing products, like gloves, whilst treating you.”
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People that have allergies to eggs, gelatine and dust mites are also safe to have either vaccine, Dr Barnish confirms.
The medical expert states that those who can’t eat fish are also ok to receive the jab – as the presence of any squalence will be in the form of a highly purified fat that doesn’t contain the proteins (which are what cause the allergic reaction).
Individuals that have a history of anaphylaxis to a medicine, food, insect bite/sting or vaccine can still receive either vaccine, as long as there are no known allergies to any of the vaccine’s components.
This advice comes directly after close surveillance of the initial rollout by the medicines and healthcare products regulatory agency (MHRA). It is recommended for individuals that have a history of anaphylaxis and have the Pfizer BioTech vaccine should be monitored and observed for at least 15 minutes after the vaccination is given.
Dr Barnish states: “For those that have already received your first vaccination, if you developed patches of itchy skin or a localised rash after this first dose, then guidance suggests that it is safe to have the second dose and this second dose is encouraged by current guidelines.
“My best advice, if you have an allergy is prior to having the vaccine, make sure that you are given the patient information leaflet of the chosen vaccine to read beforehand. This leaflet will contain vital information about who is safe to have the vaccine and will provide a complete list of ingredients.
“Discussion with the medical professional prior to giving the vaccine is also encouraged if you have any questions or concerns.”
Dr Michael Barnish is a medically-trained doctor specialising in preventative and regenerative medicine. He is currently Head of Genetics & Nutrition at REVIV.
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Wigan Athletic make statement signing after grabbing Wrexham’s Paul Mullin on loan
Danny Jones
Wigan Athletic have pulled over a big transfer in the summer window, albeit only temporarily for now, as they have managed to acquire the services of Wrexham AFC striker Paul Mullin on loan.
The Merseyside-born marksman, who has been instrumental in helping lift Wrexham from the depths of the National League and into the Championship (the first time they’ve been back in the second division since 1977/78), joins the Latics on loan until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Mullin may be gradually entering the latter end of his career, but he has proved time and again that he can score, managing to chip in with a respectable half dozen goal contributions even amidst a lengthy period out following back surgery and a subsequent shin injury.
The 30-year-old is the third signing for Wigan so far in 2025, following the likes of incomings Fraser Murray, a left-sided Scottish midfielder from Kilmarnock, and fellow forward Christian Saydee from Portsmouth, but he’s no doubt the one who’s caught the most attention.
A regular hero in the well-documented and Hollywood-backed Welcome to Wrexham story, Paul Mullin has notched an unbelievable 110 goals in 172 games, boasting a combined goal contribution tally of 223 across multiple English clubs up and down the football pyramid in just over a decade as a professional.
Put simply, he scores goals wherever he goes.
Commenting on the move, Mullin said via club media: “I’m excited for the next part of my story. The Gaffer has outlined his plan for the season, and I’m hoping to take his trust into the season and make it a really successful one. As a player, I give absolutely everything and work as hard as I can.
“I’ve scored a lot of goals over the last few years, but more than anything, I give my absolute all for the Club that I’m playing for, and I’m going to do that again with Wigan.”
Bidding a brief goodbye to his parent club, he responded to their announcement by adding: “All the best this season! Keep the train rolling.”
Although he’s no stranger to the North West – having been born in Litherland, Sefton and played for both Morecambe and Tranmere Rovers – Wigan Athletic is the first spell at a Greater Manchester club for Mullin. The move will also see him face familiar local foes like Stockport County and Bolton Wanderers.
It’s fair to say that, as well as finding the net pretty regularly throughout his career, he’s managed to pick up a number of accolades along the way, too, especially during his time with Wrexham.
Much-admired rising coach Ryan Lowe, who was snapped up by Wigan Athletic amidst the flurry of names linked last March, said in the official club statement: “I’m delighted that we’ve managed to sign Paul. He’ll be a great addition to the group and is a player who is a proven goal scorer in the EFL.
“He has won promotion in his last three seasons with Wrexham AFC and will add firepower, know-how and experience to the group, which is really important. He is here because he is hungry to score more goals, win games and contribute to Wigan Athletic Football Club.”
“Paul is the type of character we want in the dressing room, and his experience will help support the team on and off the pitch.”
Supporters of The Red Dragons might be sad to see him go, but you’ve got to be happy with this one, right, ‘Tics?
I don’t think words can come to mind. “Oh it’s just a footballer”
No. It’s my hero, our hero Super Paul Mullin thank you.
Thank you for what you have done for us❤️
On personal note I send my high fives before every game I will miss you this season my friend
Tom Aspinall is now the UFC’s undisputed heavyweight champion
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester’s very own UFC icon,Tom Aspinall, has been officially named the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Even more miraculously, he did so without even having to face an official title fight against the previous reigning champ.
With the news that legendary mixed martial artist and UFC veteran Jon Jones has decided to finally retire after more than a decade and a half in the sport, Tom Aspinall has now seen his interim heavyweight status upgraded to a full, undisputed world champion.
CEO and President of the league, Dana White, confirmed the decision this Sunday, 22 June, not long after Jon Jones announced his retirement on social media.
The moment Aspinall was named an undisputed UFC champion. You can literally hear the shock in the room when he delivers the update.
After 32-year-old Aspinall famously said, “I’ll retire Jon Jones without even fighting him” back in August 2024, it looks like the famed Salford-born fighter knew exactly how this story would play out.
Despite having long been admired as a pioneer of the sport and one of the personalities who helped put it on the map, Jones has also been heavily criticised for avoiding the Atherton-based athlete in recent years, having even been set a deadline by White to defend his title.
It got to suck a point that the local lad from Wigan even held up a rubber duck to the camera as he poked fun at Jones to millions watching worldwide while sat ringside at UFC London earlier this year.
Seeing Aspinall’s supremacy grow stronger in recent years, it was the fight every fan wanted to see; however, with Jones revealing his somewhat snap decision this week, it looks like they’ll just have to settle for him taking the crown by default.
The result of him hanging up his four-ounce gloves also means that there are now no American male champions in the UFC across all four active divisions for the first time since 2004.
As for Jones, 37, while it hasn’t come as a total shock to everyone given his hiatus (his last fight coming in November 2024 against Stipe Miocic), there were plenty who hoped they would one day see him come against the Manc MMA star.
DANA WHITE MAKES IT OFFICIAL!
Tom Aspinall is the NEW UNDISPUTED UFC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! Jon Jones has RETIRED! 😱🏆 pic.twitter.com/0LSTe088me
Informing the fight world of his withdrawal in a lengthy statement on X, he said: “This decision comes after a lot of reflection, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I’ve experienced over the years.
“From the first time I stepped into the Octagon, my goal was to push the boundaries of what was possible in this sport. Becoming the youngest UFC champion in history, defending my title against some of the best fighters in the world, and sharing unforgettable moments with fans across the globe—these are memories I’ll cherish forever.
“I’ve faced incredible highs and some tough lows, but every challenge has taught me something valuable and made me stronger, both as a fighter and as a person.” He went on to thank Dana White, his family, coaches and several others for his career thus far.
He also went on to add: “To my fellow fighters, thank you for bringing out the best in me and for the respect we’ve shared inside and outside the cage. As I close this chapter of my life, I look forward to new opportunities and challenges ahead.
“MMA will always be a part of who I am, and I’m excited to see how I can continue to contribute to the sport and inspire others in new ways. Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey with me. The best is yet to come.”
Between Aspinall’s dominance at the top of the heavy class and Liverpool’s Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett continuing to make waves in the lightweight division, it looks like the time of not just the UK but the North West might be beckoning.