Immunization Side Effects

Japanese encephalitis vaccine

asilonline — Sun, 06 May 2012 10:12:01 +0000

Japanese encephalitis vaccine

After having the Japanese encephalitis vaccine, around 20% of people develop temporary soreness, redness and swelling at the injection site. About 10% of people who have the vaccine experience other side effects such as:

a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F)headache
tiredness
chills
dizziness
nausea or vomiting
abdominal pain

In a small number of cases (about 0.6%), an allergic reaction to the vaccination can occur. The reaction can cause a rash, swelling of the face, and in rare cases breathing problems.

Any allergic reaction usually occurs within minutes of having the injection, although in some cases it can be delayed for up to 2 weeks. This is why the course should be completed at least 10-14 days before you travel.

Side Effects of the H1N1 Flu Shot in Immune-Compromised Children

asilonline — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:29:35 +0000

A compromised immune system increases your risk of contracting viral or bacterial infections — like the H1N1 virus, commonly called swine flu. Young children’s immune systems are typically weaker, increasing their risk of disease. Certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or chronic medical conditions, can further compromise the immune system. Specific forms of the H1N1 vaccine are recommended for immuno-compromised children. Studies show the vaccine to be generally safe and effective in building immunity to the swine flu virus.

H1N1 Virus

Known as a “quadruple reassortant” virus, the H1N1 combines genes from pigs, birds and humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The virus can spread between animals and humans, making it a powerful pathogen. Identified in the U.S. in 2009, the World Health Organization declared the virus a pandemic — an illness that had spread over a large geographic area and had affected a certain portion of the population.

Vaccine Options

The H1N1 vaccine is available in two forms — a nasal spray with a live virus, or a shot with a dead or inactive form of the virus. Ingredients in each vaccine differ. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the nasal spray does not contain thimerosal — a mercury-containing preservative — while the injection vaccine is available with or without thimerosal. Mercury is a heavy metal that can have neurological and immunological impacts, possibly leading to conditions like multiple sclerosis and developmental disorders.

Common Side-Effects

Common side-effects for the H1N1 injection include soreness at the injection site, as well as mild fever, body aches and fatigue. The nasal spray can induce a runny nose and sore throat, as well as fever, in children between 2 and 6 years of age. More serious side-effects are rare, but possible. An August 2010 study published in the “Archives of Neurology” linked the H1N1 vaccination with transverse myelitis — a neurological disorder caused by spinal cord inflammation. Symptoms include muscle weakness, loss of motor coordination or paralysis. The patients in the study significantly improved after diagnosis and treatment for the condition.

Immuno-Compromised Patients

The H1N1 vaccine may not work as well for immuno-compromised patients, or those on medications that suppress the immune system. However, a weak or compromised immune system also renders you more susceptible to contracting the H1N1 virus. The injection vaccine is recommended as safe for immuno-compromised children and adults, as well as those with chronic medical conditions. The nasal spray, containing the live virus, is not safe for those with weak immune systems. Hospital workers or caregivers who come in contact with immuno-compromised patients should not receive the nasal spray vaccine.

Side Effects in Immuno-Compromised Children

Though patients may need more than one vaccine, side-effects of the vaccine in immuno-compromised children mirror those of healthy children and adults. The vaccine effectively builds an immune response, even in children with the HIV virus. In a study published in “Vaccine” in 2011, HIV-infected children and adolescents were given an H1N1 vaccine, along with the seasonal influenza vaccine. Results found that the H1N1 shot was as “safe and well tolerated in HIV-infected children and adolescents as in healthy controls.” Additionally, administering the seasonal influenza vaccine simultaneously seemed to increase the immune response to both H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses.

References

Center for Disease Control: H1N1 Flu
U.S.Food and Drug Administration:FDA Approves Vaccines for 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus
St. Michael’s Hospital: H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Q & A
State of Washington Dept. of Health: Seasonal Flu and H1N1 (Swine Flu)
Center for Disease Control: Questions & Answers: 2009 H1N1 Nasal Spray Vaccine
“Vaccine”; Pandemic influenza A/H1N1 vaccine administered sequentially or simultaneously with seasonal influenza vaccine to HIV-infected children and adolescents; S. Esposito, et al.; February 2011

Side Effects of an Influenza Immunization

asilonline — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:28:44 +0000

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends influenza immunization as the first step to reduce your risk of infection with seasonal and pandemic flu strains. While there are many advantages to getting vaccinated, there are also some side effects you need to be aware of.

Local Site Reaction

Influenza vaccination is often associated with a local site reaction, which varies depending on the route of administration. For the injectable vaccine, more than 10 percent of adults and children complained of injection site reactions consisting of localized muscle pain, tenderness, redness and swelling which persisted for up to one week, according to product literature supplied by FDA-approved vaccine manufacturer Sanofi-Pasteur. For the intranasal vaccine (Flu Mist), manufacturer MedImmune reported that more than 10 percent of adults and children complained of runny nose or nasal congestion

Flu-Like Symptoms

Flu-like symptoms are reported in fewer than 10 percent of people after an influenza immunization. In clinical studies done by CSL Biotherapies Inc., makers of the Afluria seasonal flu vaccine, approximately 10 percent of adults complained of headache, muscle ache, fatigue and malaise after receiving the vaccine. Children reported a broader range of symptoms, including irritability, rhinitis, fever, cough, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, muscle aches and sore throat. These symptoms were usually mild and resolved within a few days. People who receive Flu Mist, a live attenuated (weakened) form of the influenza virus, may be more likely to experience symptoms.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body manufactures antibodies against sites on the peripheral nerves. One in a million people who received the swine flu vaccine in 1976 and the seasonal flu vaccine between 1992 and 1994 developed GBS. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, initial symptoms of GBS include muscle weakness and tingling that begins in the legs and moves up the body progressively. In severe cases, a person may be completely paralyzed and require a ventilator to breathe due to paralysis of the diaphragm. In 90 percent of patients, symptoms peak at approximately three weeks. Between five and six percent of people with GBS die. Among those who survive, recovery is prolonged; 30 percent of patients still report residual weakness three years after infection.

References

CDC: Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Resources for Healthcare Professionals
Food and Drug Administration: Vaccine, Blood, and Biologics
CDC: Seasonal Flu and Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Radiation Therapy Side Effects on the Immune System

asilonline — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:27:25 +0000

The immune system is responsible for keeping your body healthy and safe from attack by bacteria, viral and fungal infections. The immune system also helps the body heal wounds and damage to the skin or internal organs. Protecting you from germs, the immune system is made up of networks of organs, cells and tissues that are biologically programed to destroy foreign organisms that may harm you. A compromised immune system can’t work efficiently to protect the body, leaving you open to illness or disease. Individuals undergoing radiation therapy may experience some damage to the body’s immune system. Be aware of such dangers so you can make wise decisions regarding your health care.

Low-Dose Radiation

According to the Washington State Department of Health, low-dose exposure to radiation therapy may cause a number of cellular structure mutations, as well as irregularities in the placement and development of chromosomes in the body. Low-dose radiation exposure is defined as full body exposure to below a 50-rad rating exposure. Low-dose radiation has also been shown to affect the development, growth and function of lymphocytes in both children and adults. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that protect the body against a number of different types of infection.

Be aware of the risk of leukemia as a side effect of low-dose radiation exposure. Talk to your doctor about the risks and side effects of any type of radiation exposure, as such side effects may depend on the number of therapies and duration of the exposure.

High-Dose Radiation

High-dose radiation is considered to be exposure of the entire body to radiation treatments of above 50 rad, according to the Washing State Department of Health. Effects of high-dose radiation therapies occur faster than those caused by low-dose exposure. Lymphocytes may be destroyed within 48 hours after therapy. For several weeks after exposure, more white cells die, leaving the body vulnerable to infection. Other side effects may include infection and fever and bleeding.

Those who have received between 50 and 200 rad exposure of radiation will more than likely feel nauseous and experience bouts of vomiting and some white cell count decrease, but recover with adequate medical support.

Extremely High Doses of Radiation

A person exposed to over 1,500 rad risk extreme danger of death, while individuals exposed to between 500 and 1,500 rad may experience severe organ damage. The risk of fatality is high for those who receive such high doses of radiation, even following a bone marrow transplant. If you’ve received between 200 and 400 rad, your chance of survival is good with adequate medical support.

References

KidsHealth: The Immune System
Washington State Department of Health: The Immune System and Radiation
MedFriendly.com: Lymphocyte

Treating the Side Effects

asilonline — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 05:17:32 +0000

In most cases, the side effects do not require any form of treatment. The most common symptoms go away by themselves after a few days. The patient just needs to be tough and resilient. Some of the discomforts can be alleviated with the use of painkillers.

However, if you turn out to be the unlucky one in a hundred people that gets the more serious side effects then you should go check with a doctor as soon as possible to see what kind of treatment options you have.
Side Effects of the Tetanus Shot

Rare But Dangerous Side Effects

Tetanus Shot Side Effects in Children

Treating the Side Effects

Tetanus Toxoid Vaccine

How to Spot Tetanus Vaccine Side Effects

Side Effects of a Tetanus Injection

How Often Should I Get a Tetanus Booster?

How Do I Avoid a Tetanus Infection?

What Is Tetanus Bacteria?

What Are the Most Common Causes Of Tetanus?

What Are the Risks of Tetanus during Pregnancy?

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Tetanus?

What Is Tetanus Immunoglobulin?

What Are the Signs of Tetanus in Dogs?

What Are the Different Kinds of Tetanus Treatments?

What Is Tetanus Antitoxin?

What Is Anti-Tetanus Serum?

Why Does the Tetanus Vaccine Hurt So Much?

Tetanus Shot Side Effects in Children

asilonline — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 05:16:46 +0000

Children have a predisposition to play with sharp, metal objects and a little negligence on their part will always lead to a cut or a wound. This will require a tetanus shot, just to be on the safe side. Other parents choose to vaccinate their kids without the immediate in an attempt to prevent future problems. This is ok, as the medical vaccine usually lasts around 10 years. Actually, the effect is permanent, but it starts to lose its potency after a while. The vaccine does not actually treat the medical condition directly. It provides the patient with the antibodies needed to fight off the effects of the neurotoxin.

Whether you are giving your child a shot because he cut himself on a rusty nail while playing hide and seek or you are just doing it to be on the safe side, you need to monitor the child carefully to watch out for any potential side effects. If the child is too young to speak then pay attention to an abnormal amount of crying which will indicate that he is suffering from pain from the injection. Check the area frequently to see if any of the symptoms of an allergic reaction are manifesting. Unfortunately, there are some side effects that are most likely unavoidable so the child will just have to tough it out for a few days until they should disappear.

The shot given to children is slightly different from the one given to adults. It usually comes with a vaccine for diphtheria as well as one for pertussis. These three shots have similar side effects. An extra one that will most likely be present in children but not in adults is the lack of an appetite.

Side Effects of the Tetanus Shot

Rare But Dangerous Side Effects

Tetanus Shot Side Effects in Children

Treating the Side Effects

Tetanus Toxoid Vaccine

How to Spot Tetanus Vaccine Side Effects

Side Effects of a Tetanus Injection

How Often Should I Get a Tetanus Booster?

How Do I Avoid a Tetanus Infection?

What Is Tetanus Bacteria?

What Are the Most Common Causes Of Tetanus?

What Are the Risks of Tetanus during Pregnancy?

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Tetanus?

What Is Tetanus Immunoglobulin?

What Are the Signs of Tetanus in Dogs?

What Are the Different Kinds of Tetanus Treatments?

What Is Tetanus Antitoxin?

What Is Anti-Tetanus Serum?

Why Does the Tetanus Vaccine Hurt So Much?

Rare But Dangerous Side Effects

asilonline — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 05:15:24 +0000

There are even more dangerous side effects, but these are extremely rare. Some people have experienced seizures after getting the vaccine injection. Other suffered from brain damage or they fell into a coma.

The unluckiest of patients can have severe allergic reactions to the vaccine. If you notice a rash or swelling around the injection area you should contact a doctor as soon as possible as those are not regular side effects of the vaccine and are indicative of an allergic reaction. Other signs of a bad reaction towards the shot include itchiness, dizziness, wheezing and difficulties with breathing. In some cases people with an allergic reaction can collapse or convulse. But, again, this only happens in very rare cases.

Side Effects of the Tetanus Shot

Rare But Dangerous Side Effects

Tetanus Shot Side Effects in Children

Treating the Side Effects

Tetanus Toxoid Vaccine

How to Spot Tetanus Vaccine Side Effects

Side Effects of a Tetanus Injection

How Often Should I Get a Tetanus Booster?

How Do I Avoid a Tetanus Infection?

What Is Tetanus Bacteria?

What Are the Most Common Causes Of Tetanus?

What Are the Risks of Tetanus during Pregnancy?

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Tetanus?

What Is Tetanus Immunoglobulin?

What Are the Signs of Tetanus in Dogs?

What Are the Different Kinds of Tetanus Treatments?

What Is Tetanus Antitoxin?

What Is Anti-Tetanus Serum?

Why Does the Tetanus Vaccine Hurt So Much?

Side Effects of the Tetanus Shot

asilonline — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 05:14:32 +0000

Even though tetanus can be a very dangerous medical condition, it has a vaccine that is readily available in most parts of the world. Like any other vaccine, this one is prone to side effects. In fact, some minor side effects are common in almost all of the people that get the shot. However, most of them are not dangerous and disappear after a few days. In rare cases there can be severe reactions to the vaccine that can be life threatening. However, this does not happen often so the risk of possibly staying infected far outweighs the risk of getting the shot.

The most common side effect is a general pain in the area where the patient has been injected with the vaccine. According to studies, this side effect is present in 75% of all people that get the shot. However, although this side effect is frequent it is not a dangerous one. The pain is noticeable, but very manageable and will disappear in a few days, sometimes even sooner. There is no need to consult a doctor in these cases. Besides pain most patients will feel numbness in their arm shortly after the injection was made. Others complain that the area where the shot was given feels hard like marble. These are both common symptoms and are usually treated with painkillers.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of other side effects that people who have been injected with the vaccine have experienced. Other mild side effects reported include nausea, headaches, vomiting, swelling, redness, mild body chills and low grade fevers. These symptoms are not as common as the general pain, but they do happen with a regular frequency. However, none of them are dangerous and they generally go away after a few days. There still is no need to go running to the emergency room just yet.

Most of the side effects usually go away by themselves after a few days. However, in rare cases some of them might stick around for a little while longer. These more dangerous side effects include prolonged vomiting, prolonged diarrhea and general flu like symptoms. If any of these side effects are still kicking your butt after a week then you should consult with a doctor as you might be one of the unlucky patients that suffer from the rare side effects of the tetanus vaccine. However, like previously mentioned this happens very scarcely. Usually less than one percent of the people that get the shot suffer from these symptoms. If you are one of them, try to look on the bright side: at least you are special.

Side Effects of the Tetanus Shot

Rare But Dangerous Side Effects

Tetanus Shot Side Effects in Children

Treating the Side Effects

Tetanus Toxoid Vaccine

How to Spot Tetanus Vaccine Side Effects

Side Effects of a Tetanus Injection

How Often Should I Get a Tetanus Booster?

How Do I Avoid a Tetanus Infection?

What Is Tetanus Bacteria?

What Are the Most Common Causes Of Tetanus?

What Are the Risks of Tetanus during Pregnancy?

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Tetanus?

What Is Tetanus Immunoglobulin?

What Are the Signs of Tetanus in Dogs?

What Are the Different Kinds of Tetanus Treatments?

What Is Tetanus Antitoxin?

What Is Anti-Tetanus Serum?

Why Does the Tetanus Vaccine Hurt So Much?

Monthly List of Infant Vaccine Shots Before Age One

asilonline — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:26:17 +0000

New parents are often surprised by the number of vaccines their pediatricians recommend during their baby’s first year of life. Most infants will receive multiple injections at each routine visit to the doctor, and it can be overwhelming to keep track of which vaccinations are being administered. This schedule, as recommended by both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gives you an overview of the typical vaccine layout so you know what to expect at each visit.

Birth

Newborns receive the first of three hepatitis B (HepB) vaccines soon after birth.

One Month

Your child’s doctor will administer the second hepatitis B injection between 1 and 2 months of age, according to the CDC.

Two Months

At 2 months, your child’s doctor will administer the second hepatitis B vaccine if your baby did not receive it at 1 month old. Two-month-olds also receive their first DTaP injection, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; the IPV vaccine, which protects against polio; the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine; the pneumococcal vaccine (PCV); and the first rotavirus (RV) vaccine, which is a liquid given by mouth rather than an injection, according to KidsHealth.org.

Four Months

Four-month-olds receive their second rotavirus vaccine, the second DTaP injection, the second Hib vaccine, the second PCV injection and the second IPV injection.

Six Months

At the six-month appointment, doctors administer the third DTaP vaccine, the third Hib injection and the third PCV vaccine. At 6 months old, babies receive their third and final rotavirus vaccine; however, if the vaccine brand administered to your baby at 2 and 4 months old is Rotarix, this third dose is not given, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Children also receive the third hepatitis B and IPV injections anytime between 6 and 18 months of age, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. Children 6 months and older receive the influenza vaccine seasonally.

12 Months

As long as a minimum of six months have passed since the previous DTaP injection, babies can have their fourth DTaP vaccine as early as 12 months, states the American Academy of Pediatrics. Between 12 and 15 months of age, the doctor will administer the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella; the Varicella vaccine, which protects against chickenpox; the fourth Hib injection; and the fourth PCV vaccine. Children also receive two hepatitis A (HepA) vaccines between 12 and 23 months.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Recommended Immunizations for Babies
American Academy of Pediatrics: Recommended Immunization Schedule for Persons Aged 0 Through 6 Years
KidsHealth: Rotavirus

Infant Immunization & Reactions to DTaP

asilonline — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:25:13 +0000

The DTaP vaccine protects against three potentially deadly diseases: diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that is easily spread between people. Similarly, pertussis can also be spread through the air or by contact with an infected person. Tetanus is contracted when an open wound comes into contact with the bacterium. DTaP is one of the first vaccines given to infants.

History

The modern DTaP vaccine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1997. Between the years of 1991 and 1997, a combination of DTP, a vaccine containing complete cellular pertussis, and the DTaP vaccine were given to make up the series of five shots. Since the approval of the DTaP vaccine for each dose in the series of shots, the DTP vaccine is no longer regularly used in the United States.

Significance

Before the introduction and widespread immunization against the diseases, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis killed and debilitated many infants. Diphtheria can create muscle paralysis, heart failure and death. Tetanus can cause pneumonia and broken bones. Pertussis may cause pneumonia, seizures and death. Improved sanitation and high immunization rate (over 83 percent of children) have significantly decreased the number of cases, complications and deaths from the three diseases.

Side Effects

Possible side effects of the vaccine range from mild to severe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that about 25 percent of children will experience mild reactions that include redness, swelling and soreness at the injection site and low grade fever. Fussiness, fatigue and vomiting have also been reported in children. Mild reactions are the most common. Moderate side effects include seizures, continuous crying and fever over 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Moderate reactions are uncommon. Severe side effects are so rare that the CDC cannot be sure the vaccine causes these reactions. Coma, irreversible brain damage, long-term seizures and lowered consciousness are severe reactions the CDC has reported. Allergic reactions are always possible with any drug, including the DTaP vaccine.

Time Frame

The complete DTaP vaccine is given in a series of five shots over the course of the first six years. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the DTaP vaccine at the ages of two months, four months, six months, between 15 and 18 months and between four to six years.

Misconceptions

Many parents worry that vaccines, including the DTaP vaccine, will cause autism. At this time, science has been unable to find a link between autism and vaccines. A second concern is that immunizations weaken the immune system rather than help it. However, there is no scientific evidence that this is true. Another common misconception is that certain countries do not need to vaccinate against a disease that has been eradicated from the country. With international travel easily accessible, diseases can easily be spread between continents.

Benefits

Upon completion of the DTaP series, an infant will generally be protected from diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Although the vaccine does not provide 100-percent immunity, the chance of contracting the disease is very small. If a case does appear in a vaccinated person, the illness is usually mild with few or no complications. Receiving the vaccine also preserves public health.

Warning

According to the CDC, some children should not receive the DTaP vaccine. Included are children who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of DTaP, children with illness more severe than the common cold and those who have had brain or nervous system reactions to the vaccine. Always speak to a pediatrician about concerns or questions regarding the vaccine.

References

Centers of Disease Control and Prevention: Vaccines and Immunizations
American Academy of Pediatrics: Recommended Immunization Schedule for Persons Aged 0 Through 6 Years
Kids Health: Frequently Asked Questions About Immunizations
National Network for Immunization Information: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis