Over 200 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the US, however a sizeable percentage of Americans have not received one. While some have decided they will not be vaccinated, others are still weighing the benefits and risks, including immune hypersensitivity. The new test available from
ELISA/ACT® Biotechnologies (EAB) offers individuals information about how their immune system reacts to two of the components used in the COVID-19 vaccines available in U.S.
While the risk of severe immediate allergic reaction is very low, it is likely one factor being weighed by those undecided about getting vaccinated. The components of the approved U.S. COVID-19 vaccines that have been implicated in allergic reactions are the high molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG 2000) and Polysorbate 80. All guidance clearly states that known allergy to PEG or Polysorbate 80 is a contraindication to the vaccine containing that ingredient. Additionally, because these ingredients are so similar immunologically, an allergy to either requires consultation with a healthcare practitioner prior to receiving any of the COVID-19 vaccines.
Immediate allergies (type I immune hypersensitivity) to either PEG or Polysorbate can be tested using a skin scratch test. These conventional tests identify immediate allergic reactions. But
immediate allergy may not be the only concern or risk being weighed by those still undecided. For information about
delayed hypersensitivity to these two vaccine components, EAB has introduced the
COVID Vax LRA panel.
This specialized test uses the same advanced
ex-vivo cell culture method used by healthcare practitioners for over 30 years to accurately detect
delayed hypersensitivities to over 500 foods and chemicals. This timely new panel offers valuable personalized insights by testing for delayed immune hypersensitivity to:
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High Molecular Weight (HMW) polyethylene glycol PEG. Moderna and Pfizer COVID 19 vaccines include HMW PEG.
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Polysorbate 80 - Used in the Johnson and Johnson COVID 19 vaccine.
Dr. Russell Jaffe, Founder of
ELISA/ACT Biotechnologies says “almost immediately after the first vaccine was announced I had practitioners asking if we could test for immune reaction to the vaccines. I am very pleased that our team was able to source, standardize, and validate the HMW PEG quickly and get this test to market in time to be helpful.”
