Coronavirus Disease 2019 mRNA Vaccination Appears Safe in Pediatric Patients With Hypersensitivity to Polyethylene Glycolated Escherichia coli L-asparaginase

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2024 Mar 1;46(2):e202-e204. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000002805. Epub 2024 Jan 5.

Abstract

Polyethylene glycol-asparaginase (PEGAsp) is an established component of acute leukemia therapy. Hypersensitivity reactions to PEGAsp occur in 10% to 15% of patients, with polyethylene glycol suggested as the antigenic culprit. As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccines contain polyethylene glycol, the safety of administration of these vaccines to patients with prior PEGAsp hypersensitivity has been questioned. Between December 21, 2020 and March 3, 2022, 66 patients with acute leukemia and PEGAsp allergy received COVID-19 vaccination. No patients (0/66 0%, 95% CI: 0%-5.4%) experienced an allergic reaction to the vaccine. COVID-19 mRNA vaccination appears to be safe in pediatric and young adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia with PEGAsp allergy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Asparaginase* / adverse effects
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control
  • COVID-19 Vaccines* / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Drug Hypersensitivity* / etiology
  • Escherichia coli
  • Humans
  • Polyethylene Glycols* / adverse effects
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy
  • Vaccination / adverse effects

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Asparaginase
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Polyethylene Glycols