Anaphylaxis to additives in vaccines

Abstract

SummaryAnaphylaxis in connection with the administration of vaccines occurs only very rarely. Triggers of immunoglobulin IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated anaphylaxis—in addition to the active ingredient itself—may be excipients contained in the vaccine due to their special properties. Some of the excipients in medicinal products are the same compounds used as additives in food. Furthermore, residues from the manufacturing process (e.g., chicken egg white, casein, antibiotics, formaldehyde) or contaminants (e.g., from the primary packaging material) may be potential triggers of anaphylaxis in vaccines. This review article provides an overview of ingredients in vaccines that pose an allergenic risk potential. The components of COVID-19 vaccines approved and marketed in Germany are discussed with regard to their potential for triggering anaphylaxis and possible pathophysiological mechanisms involved.

Influenza Virus Inactivated by Heavy Ion Beam Irradiation Stimulates Antigen-Specific Immune Responses

“…Thus, while chemicals, such as formaldehyde or β-propiolactone, are very viable, they tend to damage the surface structures of the antigen, and in general increase the complexity of the purification process to eliminate toxic residuals [ 27 , 28 , 29 ]. Furthermore, residuals of chemicals can lead to allergic adverse events [ 30 ]. Therefore, inactivation of whole-cell vaccines using radiation is still considered a safe and effective method [ 24 , 26 ].…”

Anaphylactic reactions after COVID-19 vaccination in Germany

“…The vector vaccines Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca AB, Sodertalje, Sweden) and Jcovden (Janssen-Cilag International NV, Beerse, Belgium) and the protein-based vaccine Nuvaxovid (Novavax CZ a.s., Jevany, Czechia) contain small amounts of polysorbate 80 as an excipient, which also has PEG moieties in the molecule. Other vaccines also contain polysorbate 80 as a stabilizer (e.g., influenza, hepatitis A, or HPV vaccines such as Fluarix, Havrix, Gardasil) [ 9 ], but reports of IgE-mediated reactions to polysorbates in drugs are an absolute rarity overall.…”