Alpha-gal Allergy (Alpha-gal Syndrome)
Free CME Course for Clinicians
Alpha-gal allergy, known as alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), is an increasingly recognized condition that challenges traditional assumptions about food allergy, gastrointestinal disease, and anaphylaxis. As awareness grows, so does the need for clear, clinically relevant education, especially in primary care, where many patients first present.
In partnership with Project Lyme, VectorWise offers the CME course Basics of Alpha-gal Allergy, which focuses on clinical recognition, evaluation considerations, and patient support related to alpha-gal syndrome.
Why Alpha-gal Syndrome Matters in Clinical Practice
Alpha-gal syndrome does not behave like classic food allergy. Many patients experience:
- Delayed reactions that occur hours after exposure
- Inconsistent symptoms that do not follow a predictable pattern
- Presentations that overlap with IBS, chronic urticaria, or idiopathic anaphylaxis
Because of these features, alpha-gal allergy is frequently missed or diagnosed late, even in areas where tick exposure is common. In some cases, patients go years without an explanation for their symptoms.
This course focuses on helping clinicians recognize when alpha-gal syndrome should be part of the differential diagnosis—and when it should not.
Vector-borne diseases are increasing in prevalence, geographic spread, and clinical complexity. However, many clinicians still receive limited formal training in recognizing, diagnosing, and managing these conditions.
Who This Course Is For
This CME activity is especially relevant for:
- Primary care physicians
- Nurse practitioners and physician assistants
- Emergency and urgent care clinicians
- Gastroenterology- and allergy-adjacent providers
No prior expertise in allergy or immunology is required.
What the Course Covers
In Basics of Alpha-gal Allergy, participants will gain a structured, clinically grounded overview of:
- How alpha-gal allergy differs from traditional food allergies
- Common and atypical clinical presentations seen in practice
- Risk factors associated with alpha-gal sensitization
- Appropriate use and limitations of alpha-gal IgE testing
- Key management considerations clinicians should understand
- Counseling principles and patient education considerations
The course emphasizes clinical recognition and decision-making, making it practical, accessible, and directly applicable to everyday care.
Why Education on Alpha-gal Allergy Is Needed Now
Tick exposure is increasing across many regions, and reported cases of alpha-gal syndrome continue to expand geographically. Despite this, surveys show that many clinicians feel uncertain about diagnosis and management.
Early recognition by frontline providers can:
- Reduce unnecessary testing and misdiagnosis
- Shorten time to diagnosis
- Improve patient safety and quality of life
VectorWise developed this course in partnership with Project Lyme to help close this critical knowledge gap.
Course Format
- 100% online
- Self-paced
- Free CME credit
Join Our Community of Medical Professionals
Alpha-gal syndrome is no longer a rare or regional condition, and it no longer belongs only in specialty clinics. Enroll in the free course, Basics of Alpha-gal Allergy, and build confidence in recognizing and addressing AGS in clinical practice.