Who should not be vaccinated against Covid-19?

While COVID-19 vaccines are generally safe and effective for most people, there are some groups who may not be vaccinated or who may need to exercise caution.

People who have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysorbate, should not receive that specific vaccine. People with a history of severe allergic reactions to other vaccines or injectable medications should consult their doctor before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

People who are currently infected with COVID-19 should wait until they have fully recovered and completed their isolation period before getting vaccinated. People who have recently been treated with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma for COVID-19 should wait 90 days before getting vaccinated to avoid affecting the effectiveness of the vaccine.

The approved minimum age for COVID-19 vaccines varies by vaccine and by country. It is important to follow local guidelines and approvals. For example, some vaccines are approved for use in children as young as 5 years old, while others are approved only for adults.

People with severely compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or taking immunosuppressive therapies, should consult their doctor. Although vaccines are often recommended for this group, response to the vaccine can vary.

Source: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines/advice

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2022-12-01 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025