Over 200 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the US, but a sizeable percentage of Americans have not received one. While some folks have decided they will not be vaccinated, others are still considering it, weighing the pros and cons. Immune hypersensitivity is likely one of the risks being considered.The risk of severe immediate allergic reaction is very low, but it is certainly one of the factors being considered by those still undecided about vaccination. The CDC and the vaccine manufacturers caution that known allergy to “any component” is a contraindication to the vaccines. For the COVID-19 vaccines the components implicated in allergic reactions are the high molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG 2000) and Polysorbate 80. All guidance clearly states that individuals with known allergy to PEG should not receive the Pfizer or Moderna shots. Those with known allergy to Polysorbate 80 should not receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Because these ingredients are so similar, for those with an allergy to either, consultation with a healthcare practitioner is recommended prior to receiving any vaccine.If an immediate allergy to either ingredient is suspected, a skin scratch tests can be performed. These conventional tests identify immediate allergy (type I immune hypersensitivity). But immediate allergy is likely not the only concern or risk being weighed by those still undecided.For information about delayed hypersensitivity to these two vaccine components, LRA tests are now available.ELISA/ACT Biotechnologies is now offering the COVID Vax LRA Panel. This specialized test uses the same advanced ex-vivo cell culture method that has been used for over 30 years to accurately detect all three types (type II, III, and IV) of delayed hypersensitivities. This timely new panel tests for immune hypersensitivity to:

  • High Molecular Weight (HMW) polyethylene glycol PEG. Moderna and Pfizer COVID 19 vaccines include HMW PEG.
  • Polysorbate 80 – Used in the Johnson and Johnson COVID 19 vaccine.

If you or your clients are considering the vaccine and looking for all available information to help with your decision, this new LRA test panel provides valuable personalized insights you won’t get with any other test.To order COVID Vax LRA panel:

Active ELISA/ACT Biotechnologies Account holders – write “COVID VAX Panel” in the Other Individual Block space on Requisition Form.
Inactive or No ELISA/ACT Biotechnologies Account – Open Account Online.Non-healthcare practitioners – Contact ELISA/ACT Biotechnologies for a referral to a practitioner offering LRA testing.

For more information, contact ELISA/ACT Biotechnologies at ClientServices@ELISAACT.com or call 800.553.5472 (M-F 8:30 – 5:30 Eastern).In Health,Your Client Services TeamELISA/ACT Biotechnologies