Updated 14th December 2021
If you have an allergy and have questions about getting a Covid-19 vaccination in Australia, we have compiled all the key answers to your questions about getting a Covid-19 vaccination with allergies (including Anaphylaxis), what your options are by your state or territory, the ingredients in the Vaccines, plus where to check your eligibility and make a booking.
The information on this page is here to guide you, but is not a replacement for medical advice from a qualified healthcare provider (e.g. GP, doctor, nurse or pharmacist) or by direction from your state or territory authority, and is subject to change based on the Covid-19 circumstances in Australia.
WHAT ARE COVID-19 VACCINES?
GETTING A COVID-19 VACCINE WHEN YOU HAVE ALLERGIES
You must NOT get a Covid-19 vaccine if you-
○ Have a history of Anaphylaxis to any of the Covid-19 vaccine ingredients (see full ingredients below).
○ Have had Anaphylaxis to a previous dose of the same Covid-19 vaccine.
○ Have further health reasons (see below CMI summary links) where you should not receive a Covid-19 vaccine.
⚠ If you cannot get a Covid-19 vaccine due to the above reasons, please speak to a GP for individual health advice and the options available based on your circumstances ⚠
CMI Summaries-
• Pfizer (Comirnaty): Click HERE ↗️ or HERE ↗️ to view the Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary. Last updated October 21
• Astrazeneca (Vaxzevria): Click HERE ↗️ or HERE ↗️ to view the Astrazeneca (Vaxzevria) vaccine Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary. Last updated August 21
• Moderna (Spikevax): Click HERE ↗️ or HERE ↗️ to view the Moderna (Spikevax) vaccine Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary. Last updated December 21
⚠ If you have a prior history of anaphylaxis to other vaccines, medications or drugs, please speak to a GP prior to booking a vaccine appointment⚠
If you are NOT allergic to the Covid-19 vaccine ingredients, or have no other health reasons to not get the vaccine, you can get a Covid-19 vaccine. The Pfizer (Comirnaty), Astrazeneca (Vaxzevria) and Moderna (Spikevax) vaccines do not contain common allergens such as latex, milk (dairy), egg, or peanuts, etc or common intolerants such as lactose or gluten (see full ingredients below).
Do you have other severe allergies? Have you had a severe allergic reaction previously? Are you anaphylactic?
If you have answered yes to any of the above, you can still get a Covid-19 vaccine, but you must inform your immunisation provider beforehand.
Still have concerns or questions?
If you have specific concerns or want to check your circumstances in regards to getting a Covid-19 vaccine with your allergies (or the allergies of someone you look after), please book an appointment and speak to a GP for individual health advice.
What about intolerances and/or autoimmune conditions?
If you have intolerances and/or autoimmune conditions and want to learn more about getting a Covid-19 vaccine with your circumstances, please book an appointment and speak to a GP for individual health advice.
Scroll to the bottom of this Page for further FAQs on allergies and Covid-19 vaccines
WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN THE COVID-19 VACCINES
PFIZER (Comirnaty) Ingredients
Pfizer (Comirnaty) is currently approved and available across Australia.
The Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine contains BNT162b2 [mRNA], ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate) (ALC0315), 2-[(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,Nditetradecylacetamide (ALC-0159), Distearoylphosphatidylcholine, (DSPC), Cholesterol, Potassium chloride, Monobasic potassium phosphate, Sodium chloride, Dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, Sucrose and Water for injections.
Click HERE ↗️ or HERE ↗️ to view the Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary. Last updated October 21
If you are concerned about using this vaccine, want to know about the side effects, or have any other questions, please speak to a GP for individual health advice prior to booking a vaccine appointment.
ASTRAZENECA (Vaxzevria) Ingredients
Astrazeneca (Vaxzevria) is currently approved and available across Australia.
The Astrazeneca (Vaxzevria) vaccine- One dose (0.5 mL) contains: ChAdOx1-S* 5x1010 viral particles (vp) [corresponding to not less than 2.5 × 108 infectious units (Inf.U)], histidine, histidine hydrochloride, monohydrate, sodium, chloride, magnesium chloride, hexahydrate, disodium edetate, sucrose, ethanol absolute, polysorbate 80 and water for injections.
Click HERE ↗️ or HERE ↗️ to view the Astrazeneca (Vaxzevria) vaccine Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary. Last updated August 21
If you are concerned about using this vaccine, want to know about the side effects, or have any other questions, please speak to a GP for individual health advice prior to booking a vaccine appointment.
MODERNA (Spikevax) Ingredients
Moderna (Spikevax) is currently approved and available across Australia.
The Moderna (Spikevax) vaccine contains- Heptadecan-9-yl 8-[2-hydroxyethyl-(6-oxo-6-undecoxyhexyl)amino]octanoate, Cholesterol, Distearoylphosphatidylcholine, 1,2-Dimyristoyl-rac-glycero-3-methoxypolyethylene glycol-2000, Trometamol, Trometamol hydrochloride, Acetic acid, Sodium acetate trihydrate, Sucrose and Water for injections.
Click HERE ↗️ or HERE ↗️ to view the Moderna (Spikevax) vaccine Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary. Last updated December 21
If you are concerned about using this vaccine, want to know about the side effects, or have any other questions, please speak to a GP for individual health advice prior to booking a vaccine appointment.
CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY & BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Australians aged from aged 5 and over (based on eligibility) can make appointments for a free Covid-19 vaccination at State/ Territory vaccination clinics, participating GPs and pharmacies.
Please Note: Vaccines for 5 to 11 year olds will be rolled out in January, 2022.
Click on your state or territory to check your eligibility and book a Covid-19 vaccine appointment.
If you wish to visit a GP to make an appointment, book an appointment through one of the below popular booking systems-
Book via Hot Doc Book via Health Engine
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Learn more about allergies and the Covid-19 Vaccine
Yes, all people with all allergies should carry their emergency medication (such as adrenaline auto injectors) everywhere they go, including to their appointment. It’s also important that when you get to your appointment to advise your immunisation provider what your allergies are, and what to do in the case of emergency reaction. If you’re unsure if your immunisation provider is able to manage an anaphylactic reaction, please contact them directly prior to your appointment.
All vaccines can have side effects. For further details please refer to the vaccine CMI summaries.
If you are concerned about using either vaccine, want to know about the side effects related to your circumstances, or have any other questions, please speak to your GP prior to booking a vaccine appointment.
Click HERE ↗️ or HERE ↗️ to view the Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary. Last updated October 21
Click HERE ↗️ or HERE ↗️ to view the Astrazeneca (Vaxzevria) vaccine Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary. Last updated August 21
Click HERE ↗️ or HERE ↗️ to view the Moderna (Spikevax) vaccine Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary. Last updated December 21
You must NOT get a Covid-19 vaccine if you-
○ Have a history of Anaphylaxis to any of the Covid-19 vaccine ingredients.
○ Have had Anaphylaxis to a previous dose of the
same Covid-19 vaccine.
○ Have further health reasons (see below links) where you should not receive a Covid-19 vaccine. It's highly recommended to speak to a GP for individual health advice based on your circumstances.
Click HERE ↗️ or HERE ↗️ to view the Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary. Last updated October 21
Click HERE ↗️ or HERE ↗️ to view the Astrazeneca (Vaxzevria) vaccine Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary. Last updated August 21
Click HERE ↗️ or HERE ↗️ to view the Moderna (Spikevax) vaccine Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary. Last updated December 21
If you have a prior history of anaphylaxis to previous vaccines and/or multiple drugs, please speak to a GP prior to booking a vaccine appointment.
Please speak to your GP for individual health advice to understand your circumstances and the options available for you. If you’re GP is unable to assist you, please get in touch with us and we will let you know what your options are based on your state/ territory.
You must NOT get a Covid-19 vaccine if you have had Anaphylaxis to a previous dose of the same Covid-19 vaccine. Please speak to your GP for individual health advice to understand your circumstances and the options available for you regarding your second dose.
Allergic reactions to vaccines are rare.
Minor allergic reaction signs/symptoms include rapid onset swelling of face, lips and/or eyes, tingling mouth, hives (urticaria) or welts, and abdominal pain/vomiting. A mild to moderate allergic reaction may sometimes progress to a severe allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis).
Anaphylaxis to vaccines is extremely rare, and is indicated by any one of the following signs:
○ Difficult/noisy breathing
○ Swelling of the tongue
○ Swelling/tightness in throat*
○ Wheeze or persistent cough
○ Difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice
○ Persistent dizziness and/or collapse*
If you are concerned about being allergic to the vaccine, using either vaccine, want to know about the side effects related to your circumstances, or have any other questions, please speak to your GP prior to booking a vaccine appointment.
*Some conditions can appear like allergic reactions, including non-allergic rashes, fainting and stress responses. Any suspected allergic reactions should be reported to the immunisation provider/centre.
Yes, you can have a Covid-19 vaccine with a Food Allergy, unless you have a history of Anaphylaxis to any of the Covid- 19 vaccine ingredients, have had Anaphylaxis to a previous dose of the same Covid-19 vaccine, or have further health reasons (as per the vaccine Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summaries) where you should not receive a Covid-19 vaccine. It's highly recommended to speak to a GP for individual health advice based on your circumstances.
As with all allergies, please ensure you make the immunisation provider Allergy Aware of your allergies prior to your vaccination so they can take adequate precautions prior to administering your COVID-19 vaccine.
Yes, you can have a Covid-19 vaccine with a Latex Allergy, unless you have a history of Anaphylaxis to any of the Covid- 19 vaccine ingredients, have had Anaphylaxis to a previous dose of the same Covid-19 vaccine, or have further health reasons (as per the vaccine Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summaries) where you should not receive a Covid-19 vaccine. It's highly recommended to speak to a GP for individual health advice based on your circumstances.
As with all allergies, please ensure you make the immunisation provider Allergy Aware of your allergies prior to your vaccination so they can take adequate precautions prior to administering your COVID-19 vaccine.
Neither the Pfizer (Comirnaty), Astrazeneca (Vaxzevria) or MODERNA (Spikevax) COVID-19 vaccine vials contain gelatine. You can have a Covid-19 vaccine with an Alpha-Gal Allergy, unless you have a history of Anaphylaxis to any of the Covid- 19 vaccine ingredients, have had Anaphylaxis to a previous dose of the same Covid-19 vaccine, or have further health reasons (as per the vaccine Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summaries) where you should not receive a Covid-19 vaccine. It's highly recommended to speak to a GP for individual health advice based on your circumstances.
As with all allergies, please ensure you make the immunisation provider Allergy Aware of your allergies prior to your vaccination so they can take adequate precautions prior to administering your COVID-19 vaccine.
Neither the Pfizer (Comirnaty), Astrazeneca (Vaxzevria) or MODERNA (Spikevax) COVID-19 vaccine vials contain penicillin. You can have a Covid-19 vaccine with a Mould Allergy, unless you have a history of Anaphylaxis to any of the Covid- 19 vaccine ingredients, have had Anaphylaxis to a previous dose of the same Covid-19 vaccine, or have further health reasons (as per the vaccine Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summaries) where you should not receive a Covid-19 vaccine. It's highly recommended to speak to a GP for individual health advice based on your circumstances.
As with all allergies, please ensure you make the immunisation provider Allergy Aware of your allergies prior to your vaccination so they can take adequate precautions prior to administering your COVID-19 vaccine.
Neither the Pfizer (Comirnaty), Astrazeneca (Vaxzevria) or MODERNA (Spikevax) COVID-19 vaccine vials contain squalene. You can have a Covid-19 vaccine with a Finned-Fish Allergy, unless you have a history of Anaphylaxis to any of the Covid- 19 vaccine ingredients, have had Anaphylaxis to a previous dose of the same Covid-19 vaccine, or have further health reasons (as per the vaccine Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summaries) where you should not receive a Covid-19 vaccine. It's highly recommended to speak to a GP for individual health advice based on your circumstances.
As with all allergies, please ensure you make the immunisation provider Allergy Aware of your allergies prior to your vaccination so they can take adequate precautions prior to administering your COVID-19 vaccine.
Yes, you can have a Covid-19 vaccine with an Environmental Allergy (Pollen, Dust Mites, Pets, Mould), unless you have a history of Anaphylaxis to any of the Covid- 19 vaccine ingredients, have had Anaphylaxis to a previous dose of the same Covid-19 vaccine, or have further health reasons (as per the vaccine Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summaries) where you should not receive a Covid-19 vaccine. It's highly recommended to speak to a GP for individual health advice based on your circumstances.
As with all allergies, please ensure you make the immunisation provider Allergy Aware of your allergies prior to your vaccination so they can take adequate precautions prior to administering your COVID-19 vaccine.
Speak to a GP for individual health advice prior to your vaccination appointment, to understand your circumstances and the options available for you.
Make your immunisation provider "Allergy Aware"
When you get to your appointment advise your immunisation provider what your allergies are, and what your emergency medication is (such as to use your adrenaline autoinjector) in the case of an emergency reaction.
GET A FREE MY ALLERGY CARD
Have another line of alerting when going to get a Covid-19 vaccination. For your allergy or for the allergy of your loved one.
The My Allergy Card is part of Carry, Show and Tell where Allergy Life Australia is equipping Australians with their very own Digital Visual Allergy Alert to support them in Carrying, Showing and Telling others about their allergies (so others are Allergy Aware).
IT'S DIGITAL, CONTACTLESS, UNIQUE & FREE
Do you have a question not covered on this page? Would you like to learn more? Contact us today
The information on this page is here to guide you, but is not a replacement for medical advice from a qualified healthcare provider (e.g. GP, doctor, nurse or pharmacist) or by direction from your state or territory authority, and is subject to change based on the Covid-19 circumstances in Australia.