Allergy spike linked to pollution, doctors deny vaccine role
Md Imon, a young resident of ward number 1 in Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC), has been suffering from an allergy for the past six months. “I have consulted doctors several times and taken medication, but my condition has not improved. I suspect this problem began after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine,” he claimed.
Imon received three doses of the Pfizer vaccine at Victoria Hospital. “Since then, I have been facing allergy problems. I am not the only one—my parents and wife have also been affected. I have already spent at least Tk 10,000 on treatment, but I am still not cured. I have tried several medications. A doctor, Nazmul, at Bangladesh Medical University, told me the disease is contagious—if one family member is affected, others may catch it as well,” he added.
Imon is not alone. Jago News spoke with at least eight other allergy sufferers, all of whom reported that their condition began after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
However, dermatology and medicine specialists, along with the Civil Surgeon of Narayanganj, stated there is no link between COVID-19 vaccines and allergies. Several doctors emphasized that allergies and scabies existed even before the pandemic and that environmental pollution is a major factor in the spread of these conditions.
Pharmacies in Siddhirganj report a surge in the sale of allergy medications alongside drugs for diabetes and gastritis. Shopkeepers said allergy medicines are in high demand and often difficult to stock in sufficient quantities.
Patients Point to Vaccine
Yusuf, a resident of Rupganj, said he has been suffering from allergies for a year. “I have spent over Tk 20,000 on treatment after consulting multiple doctors. I received three doses of the Pfizer vaccine, and the problem began afterward. Many of my acquaintances have experienced the same issue. Although I consulted three doctors, including one at Farazi Hospital in Dhaka, none provided clear answers. Doctors say allergies can have multiple causes, not just vaccines,” he said.
Shipon Ahmed, a businessman from Mizmizi, and five members of his family suffered from allergies but have recovered after a year of treatment. Shipon said, “Both my wife and I received the Pfizer vaccine. The allergy spread to other family members, but with proper medication, we are now healthy.”
A young woman, Sathi, visiting a pharmacy for her mother, said her mother has suffered from allergies for seven months, costing Tk 7,000–8,000 in treatment. “My grandmother is also affected. We believe the problem started after the COVID-19 vaccine, as I have not been vaccinated and remain healthy,” she said.
Shariful Islam Tonoy, another patient, said, “My allergy condition is severe. I am under treatment at a professor in BIRDEM Hospital and taking medication. I personally believe it started after receiving the vaccine.”
Pharmacy Owners Report Higher Sales
Salim, a wholesaler at Opi Pharmacy on Chittagong Road, said, “Demand for allergy medications, especially from Square Pharmaceuticals, is very high. Even dermatology medicines are hard to find. We cannot always provide complete data, but allergy medication sales have surged.”
A local medical store owner at Abhi Medical Hall reported developing allergies himself two months after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. “I never had allergies before, but now I am a patient myself. Allergy medication sales in my area have increased over the past six months,” he said.
Experts Refute Vaccine Allegations
Nazmul, a medical officer at an American NGO, said, “Dermatological diseases like scabies are highly contagious. One family member can quickly spread it to others. Environmental factors also contribute. People blame vaccines, but there is no evidence to support this.”
Dr. Mohammad Rashedul Hasan, Head of Dermatology at US-Bangla Medical College, said, “Claims that allergies are caused by COVID-19 vaccines are baseless. These are rumours.”
Regarding scabies, Dr. Hasan said, “It is a contagious disease whose prevalence existed even before the COVID-19 vaccine. Medicines for scabies are available in our country. However, over time, the effectiveness of some medicines decreases, especially if new treatments are not discovered. Scabies can be cured through medical treatment, though reinfection is possible. There is no connection between this disease and the vaccine.”
Narayanganj Civil Surgeon Dr. A.F.M. Mushur Rahman said, “The idea that COVID-19 vaccines cause allergies is pure propaganda. No scientific evidence supports it. Vaccine reactions, if any, occur within 10 minutes to 10 hours and resolve quickly. Problems appearing years later cannot be attributed to vaccines. Environmental pollution, water scarcity, and dietary habits are the real causes.”
He added, “Bangladesh has a much lower COVID-19 death rate compared to the rest of the world because the government ensured vaccination for everyone. Claims linking vaccines to allergies are propaganda. The main reason for allergies is the severe rise in environmental pollution, particularly in Dhaka and Narayanganj. Lack of clean water, widespread consumption of fast food, and discontinuing mask use after the pandemic are also contributing factors.”