Health Answers

Due to the problems with possible allergic reactions to childhood immunization shots and adult vaccines there are a number of questions that you should speak with your doctor about first.

1. Is the patient currently sick?
2. Has there previously been an allergic reaction to a vaccine?
3. Is there any history of allergic reactions, severe allergies, immune
disorders or convulsions?
4. Will I recognize an allergic reaction to a vaccine?
5. Can I obtain the manufacturer name and lot number of the medicine
being used?
6. Is there an alternative?

Allergic reactions to vaccines can happen to anyone, child or adult, even if there has never been a reaction before.     Knowing what the reactions are and how to spot them is necessary so you understand the treatment that is necessary or if you need to consult the doctor.

Early in life children are given the DTaP vaccine. This is the abbreviation for Diptheria, Tetamus and Pertussis. The diseases are a great deal more dangerous than the vaccine, however they can still cause some side effects.

A mild allergic reaction may include fever, redness or swelling and possible tenderness and soreness at the pace where the injection was given. Generally after the 4th or 5th shot the side effects are more evident. Other mild reactions that you may see are poor appetite, tiredness, fussiness and vomiting.

Now there are also some allergic reactions that are very rare, however they are severe and should be watched. These include high fever, seizures, coma, non-stop crying or possible brain damage.

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