Whether it be vaccination for the flu or meningitis, everyone is talking about vaccines this time of the year. Public vaccination against diseases is one of the most important scientific achievements of all time and has increased our health and life span. Summer is the perfect time to get your children vaccinated before returning to school or starting college.
But it raises an interesting dilemma for some persons with vaccine allergy. What should you do if you suspect you are allergic to vaccines?
What is Vaccine Allergy?- A reaction to vaccination can be either:
- Immediate- these reactions take place within 1 hour of vaccine administration. Symptoms include hives, swelling, itching, or anaphylaxis
- Delayed - these reactions take place more than 1 day after the vaccination. Symptoms generally include a total body rash and possibly a fever.
What Causes Vaccine Allergy?- Depending on the vaccine, there are different components that can cause an allergic reaction. Common components that are known to cause an allergic reaction are:
- Gelatin
- Egg
- Chicken
- Cow's Milk
- Yeast
- Antibiotics (neomycin, polymyxin B, and streptomycin)
- Latex
- Thimerosal, aluminum, and phenoxyethanol
Does Being Allergic to A Component Mean you Can't Be Vaccinated?- No. If you suspect an allergic reaction to a vaccine you should seek evaluation by an allergist/immunologist.
- They will test you to determine the cause of the allergic reaction.
- Once they've identified the allergen, they will help formulate a plan for safe vaccination.
Bottom Line- Vaccination against disease is one of the most important ways we have against preventing disease
- Don't let suspected allergy prevent you or your child from vaccination
- See an allergist to get help in determining what the allergy is and how you can proceed safely with vaccination.
Need help? Please call or visit our office at 212-679-3574 or 205 East 22nd Street, NY, NY 10010