J&J says two people had severe allergic reactions after Covid-19 shot

The case of anaphylaxis was observed in an ongoing trial of health care workers in SA.

26 February 2021 - 20:41 By Michael Erman

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The vaccine is being rolled out to health care workers in SA. File photo.
Image: REUTERS/Sandra Sanders

A Johnson & Johnson scientist said on Friday 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 health-care workers in SA.

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.

Reuters