Adverse Effects Of Vaccination

Small pox, poliomyelitis are now eradicated from Western Hemisphere. This is possible because of immunization. Though immunization has successfully reduced the incidence of vaccine preventable diseases, it can cause minor and some serious side effects. The side effects may include reactions to vaccine and events coincidental to, but not caused by, vaccination. But still vaccination is safer than accepting the risks of the diseases prevented by these vaccines.

Nowadays the adverse effects are more visible than in past because of increase of use of vaccination. Risk of side effects of vaccination is there unless and until a particular disease is eradicated completely.

Organizations like Institute of Medicine, undertakes the scientific study of adverse events and side effects of vaccination. Reports are updated from time to time.

At least 12 million children have been vaccinated by Hepatitis B Vaccine. Pain at injection site and temperature above 37.7 c is observed normally as a side effect. Because of this medication for the infants is increased to control fever that is why the recommendation to give this as early as possible after birth is criticized. There is no conclusive evidence for the adverse effects of Poliomyelitis vaccine but it should be avoided in pregnant women and their developing fetuses. Children who have personal or family history of seizures may have increased risk of seizures following measles vaccination.

The study in USA and other countries shows that MMR vaccine can cause clinically apparent thrombocytopenia within the 2 months after vaccination. Pregnant women should not be given this vaccination. Hypersensivity reactions may occur rarely after administration of MMR vaccine. Mumps vaccine may have low fever. But the rash is also common reaction. However it is contradicted to use in pregnant women as mumps vaccine virus may infect placenta and fetus. Local reactions are common after the vaccination of Diphtheria, Tetanus and Peritussis.

Normally immunization schedule should not be disturbed because of minor illnesses, such as mild upper respiratory infections. Vaccination of persons with severe illnesses should generally be deferred until they have recovered.

Overall observation is that vaccination is helpful compared to its side effects.

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