There is a lot of controversy in recent years concerning whether or not people should receive vaccination shots. There are claims that vaccines can cause a whole host of problems. One of these issues is the slight risk of an allergic response.
There have been studies conducted which have shown that children who have been vaccinated are more likely to suffer from atopic diseases (eczema, asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis). Many researchers now consider vaccinations to be one of the factors that contribute to allergy development.
What is Vaccination?
To become vaccinated a small dose of dead or very weak infectious agent is injected into the individual. This triggers the immune system to develop antibodies, which fight off future attacks of the same viruses or bacteria.
Allergic Reactions to Vaccines
For most people, the only reaction to a vaccine is a sore arm and/or a slight fever, which may last for a couple of days.
There is, however, a small percentage of the population who could have an allergic reaction. It may be triggered by the vaccine itself, the culture medium, additives, preservatives or antibiotics used in the preparation of the vaccine.
The most likely vaccines to cause an allergic reaction are those grown on chick or duck eggs or embryos.
Like other allergies, an allergic response to a vaccine can be mild or life-threatening. The professional administering the vaccine will discuss the possibility of an allergic reaction and what to do if it occurs. If an allergic response is suspected, medical attention should be sought immediately.
Vaccination Precautions
There are several factors that a medical professional may consider before giving a vaccination:
- If the individual is already ill on the day of the scheduled vaccination, it may be changed to a different date. Also, if the immune system is depressed because of an illness such as cancer, the vaccination may be delayed.
- Whether the individual has had a previous allergic reaction to a vaccine.
- If there has been a recent blood transfusion, the individual may have to wait for several months before receiving the vaccine.
- Whether the individual has a severe allergy to one of the vaccine components.
The professional giving the vaccination will be able to give further advice about these or any other concerns that arise.
A vaccine, like other medications, can cause an allergic response in a small number of individuals. There are some issues which need to be considered in certain cases.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for information purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical attention and supervision.
Sources:
Bock, Kenneth and Stauth, Cameron. Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies. New York: Ballantine Books, 2007.
Engel, June. The Complete Allergy Book. Toronto, Canada: Key Porter Books Limited, 1997.
Website: American Academy of Pediatrics. Visited April 17, 2009.
Website: National Network for Immunization Information, 2009. Visited April 17, 2009.
For more articles on medicinal allergies see Diagnosing and Treating a Drug Allergy, The Basics of a Drug Allergy and Penicillin is the Most Common Drug Allergy.
Stella Walsh - Stella Walsh is a Christian writer, student of theology, elementary school teacher, committed church volunteer and photography ...
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