Safety of Administering Formaldehyde-Containing Vaccines in Patients With Positive Patch Test to Formaldehyde

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• This retrospective single-center study from Denmark investigated the safety of administering formaldehyde-containing vaccines in patients with positive patch tests to formaldehyde. No hypersensitivity reactions occurred in the 130 patients with positive patch tests to formaldehyde who subsequently received one or more formaldehyde-containing vaccines.
• This study suggests that contact allergy to formaldehyde should not be a contraindication to receiving formaldehyde-containing vaccines, and healthcare providers and patients can be reassured of the safety.

–  Ruth McTighe, MD

Abstract 

BACKGROUND

Prophylactic vaccination against influenza and other epidemic viruses is recommended for citizens above 65 years. Several vaccines may contain traces of formaldehyde and are contra-indicated in patients hypersensitive (in the broadest possible meaning) to formaldehyde. Thorough knowledge on the various subtypes of hypersensitivity is sparse among non-dermatologists and non-allergists, and therefore many patients are prevented from vaccination based on a positive patch test to formaldehyde. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate whether patients with positive patch test to formaldehyde subsequently receiving a formaldehyde-containing vaccine and developed a severe adverse reaction.

METHODS/MATERIALS

From January 2000 to June 2021, 169 patients (>50 years) had a positive formaldehyde patch test at the Department of Dermatology and Allergy Center, Odense University Hospital and were included into this retrospective study. The electronic medical record was assessed for receipt of a formaldehyde-containing vaccine after patch test and for subsequent contact with the Acute Ward in the Region of Southern Denmark within 14 days after vaccination.

RESULTS

Of the 158 patients residing in the Region of Southern Denmark, 130 patients were vaccinated with one or more formaldehyde-containing vaccines of whom 123 received an influenza vaccine. No contacts to the acute wards were identified.

DISCUSSION

Although prospective studies would be beneficial, patients with positive patch test to formaldehyde can be safely vaccinated with formaldehyde-containing vaccines.

Contact Dermatitis

Patients with positive patch test to formaldehyde can be safely vaccinated with formaldehyde-containing vaccines

Contact Derm 2023 May 24;[EPub Ahead of Print], U Bindslev-Jensen, CG Mortz, KE Andersen, C Bindslev-Jensen 

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Benjamin Hidalgo-Matlock
Skin Care Physicians of Costa Rica

Clinica Victoria en San Pedro: 4000-1054
Momentum Escazu: 2101-9574

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