Johnson & Johnson says 2 people had severe allergic reactions after Covid-19 shot

A nurse waits to receive a dose of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine at the Prince Mshiyeni Hospital in Umlazi, in Durban, on Feb 18, 2021. PHOTO: AFP

BEERSE, BELGIUM (REUTERS) - A Johnson & Johnson scientist said on Friday (Feb 26) that the company has received preliminary reports of two cases of severe allergic reactions, including one case of anaphylaxis, in people who had received the company's Covid-19 vaccine.

Dr Macaya Douoguih, head of clinical development and medical affairs at J&J unit Janssen Pharmaceuticals, said the case of anaphylaxis was observed in an ongoing trial of healthcare workers in South Africa.

There had not been any previously reported cases of anaphylaxis, Douoguih said.

She was speaking to a panel of expert advisers to the US Food and Drug Administration which will vote later on whether to recommend authorisation of the vaccine.

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