What are the signs of a severe allergic reaction to COVID-19 vaccines. How do different vaccine types affect allergic responses. What safety measures are in place to monitor and manage vaccine reactions. When should you seek medical attention after vaccination.

Recognizing Severe Allergic Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccines

Severe allergic reactions to COVID-19 vaccines, while rare, can occur and require immediate medical attention. These reactions typically manifest within minutes to hours after vaccination.

Key symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include:

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• A sudden drop in blood pressure
• Swelling of the tongue or throat
• Generalized rash or hives, potentially affecting mucus membranes

Is it possible to distinguish between normal vaccine side effects and severe allergic reactions? Normal side effects are typically mild and include pain at the injection site, fatigue, and low-grade fever. Severe allergic reactions involve more serious symptoms affecting breathing, blood pressure, or widespread skin reactions.

Types of COVID-19 Vaccines and Allergic Reactions

Understanding the different types of COVID-19 vaccines is crucial for managing potential allergic reactions. Currently, there are three main types of COVID-19 vaccines available:

1. mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna)
2. Viral vector vaccines (Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen)
3. Protein subunit vaccines (Novavax)

Do allergic reactions differ between vaccine types? While allergic reactions can occur with any vaccine type, the specific components causing the reaction may vary. Individuals who experience a severe allergic reaction to one type of COVID-19 vaccine should not receive another dose of that specific type.

Guidance for Those with Previous Allergic Reactions

For individuals who have experienced allergic reactions to COVID-19 vaccines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides specific recommendations:

• If you had a severe allergic reaction to an mRNA vaccine, you might be eligible for the J&J/Janssen vaccine
• Consult with an allergy and immunology specialist for personalized advice
• In some cases, receiving a different type of COVID-19 vaccine may be possible

Managing Non-Severe Allergic Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccines

Non-severe allergic reactions, while concerning, do not necessarily preclude further vaccination. How should these reactions be managed?

If you experienced an immediate but non-severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine:

• You may still be able to receive another dose under certain conditions
• Consult with your healthcare provider for guidance
• Consider a referral to an allergy and immunology specialist

Dealing with “COVID Arm”

Some individuals may develop a rash known as “COVID arm” after vaccination. This reaction is characterized by:

• Red, itchy, swollen, or painful rash at the injection site
• Onset a few days to more than a week after vaccination
• Sometimes large in size

How should “COVID arm” be managed? If you experience this reaction:

• Continue with scheduled subsequent doses
• Consider getting the next dose in the opposite arm
• Use antihistamines for itching and pain relievers if needed
• Inform your vaccination provider about the reaction

Safety Measures and Monitoring for COVID-19 Vaccine Recipients

To ensure the safety of vaccine recipients, several measures are in place. What precautions are taken during and after vaccination?

• All vaccine recipients are monitored on-site for at least 15 minutes post-vaccination
• Extended 30-minute monitoring for individuals with certain risk factors
• Vaccination in medical settings for those with previous allergic reactions

Who requires extended monitoring? Individuals who should be observed for 30 minutes include:

• Those with a history of anaphylaxis due to any cause
• People who have had immediate allergic reactions to non-COVID-19 vaccines or injectable therapies
• Individuals receiving a different type of COVID-19 vaccine after a severe allergic reaction
• Those who experienced a non-severe immediate allergic reaction to a previous dose of the same vaccine type

CDC’s Role in Monitoring Vaccine Safety

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plays a crucial role in monitoring the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. How does the CDC track adverse reactions?

The primary tool for monitoring vaccine reactions is the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). This system:

• Collects reports from healthcare professionals, vaccine manufacturers, and the public
• Focuses on unexpected adverse events or unusual patterns
• Initiates specific studies for follow-up on concerning reports

Does VAERS provide real-time data on vaccine safety? While VAERS offers valuable insights, it’s important to note that it collects raw data that requires further analysis to determine causality and significance.

Comparing COVID-19 Vaccine Reactions to Other Immunizations

While COVID-19 vaccines have been the focus of recent attention, it’s important to understand how their reactions compare to other common immunizations. Are reactions to COVID-19 vaccines unique?

Common reactions to various vaccines include:

• Local reactions at the injection site (pain, swelling, redness)
• General reactions such as fever or irritability

Vaccines that may cause similar reactions include:

• Chickenpox (varicella) virus vaccine
• DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) vaccine

How do COVID-19 vaccine reactions compare? Generally, the types of reactions seen with COVID-19 vaccines are similar to those observed with other vaccines, although the frequency and intensity may vary.

When to Seek Medical Attention After Vaccination

While most vaccine reactions are mild and self-limiting, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. When should you be concerned about post-vaccination symptoms?

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
• Widespread rash or severe itching

Can delayed reactions be serious? While most severe allergic reactions occur within minutes to hours after vaccination, it’s important to remain vigilant for unusual symptoms in the days following vaccination and consult a healthcare provider if concerned.

Managing Mild Side Effects at Home

For common, mild side effects, several at-home remedies can provide relief:

• Apply a cool, damp cloth to the injection site to reduce pain and swelling
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your healthcare provider
• Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest
• For fever, dress in light clothing and use a light blanket

When should you contact your healthcare provider about mild side effects? If symptoms persist for more than a few days or worsen over time, it’s advisable to consult with a medical professional.

Future Considerations for COVID-19 Vaccine Development

As our understanding of COVID-19 and vaccine technology evolves, researchers continue to work on improving vaccine safety and efficacy. What developments can we expect in future COVID-19 vaccines?

Potential areas of focus include:

• Developing vaccines with fewer potential allergens
• Improving vaccine stability to reduce the need for ultra-cold storage
• Creating single-dose vaccines that provide long-lasting immunity
• Developing vaccines that target multiple coronavirus variants

How might these advancements impact vaccine safety? Future developments could potentially reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions and improve overall vaccine tolerability, making immunization safer and more accessible for a broader population.

The Role of Ongoing Research

Continuous research is crucial for enhancing our understanding of vaccine reactions and improving safety protocols. Current areas of study include:

• Long-term follow-up of vaccine recipients to monitor for delayed reactions
• Investigating the genetic factors that may predispose individuals to vaccine allergies
• Developing more precise diagnostic tools for identifying potential allergic reactions before vaccination

How does ongoing research benefit vaccine recipients? By providing valuable insights into the nature of vaccine reactions, this research enables healthcare providers to offer more personalized advice and implement more effective preventive measures.

Global Perspectives on COVID-19 Vaccine Reactions

As COVID-19 vaccination efforts continue worldwide, it’s important to consider how different countries approach vaccine reaction monitoring and management. Are there significant differences in how nations handle vaccine-related allergic reactions?

Global approaches to vaccine reaction management may vary in:

• Post-vaccination observation periods
• Reporting systems for adverse events
• Guidelines for managing allergic reactions
• Access to alternative vaccine types for those with known allergies

How do these global differences impact overall vaccine safety? While core safety principles are generally consistent, variations in approach can provide valuable data for improving global vaccination strategies and reaction management protocols.

International Collaboration in Vaccine Safety

International cooperation plays a crucial role in enhancing vaccine safety worldwide. Key aspects of this collaboration include:

• Sharing data on vaccine reactions across countries
• Coordinating research efforts to study rare adverse events
• Developing standardized protocols for managing vaccine-related allergic reactions
• Providing support to countries with limited resources for vaccine safety monitoring

How does international collaboration benefit individual vaccine recipients? By pooling resources and knowledge, the global medical community can more quickly identify potential safety concerns and develop effective strategies to mitigate risks, ultimately improving vaccine safety for everyone.

Allergic Reactions after COVID-19 Vaccination

A severe allergic reaction can cause:

• difficulty breathing or wheezing,
• a drop in blood pressure,
• swelling of the tongue or throat, or
• a generalized rash or hives, which may include mucus membranes.

If You Had a Severe Allergic Reaction to a COVID-19 Vaccine

• The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are messenger RNA vaccines, also called mRNA vaccines.
• Johnson & Johnson’s/Janssen(J&J/Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine is a viral vector vaccine.
• Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is a protein subunit vaccine.
• If you had a severe allergic reaction after receiving a particular type of COVID-19 vaccine (either mRNA, protein subunit, or viral vector), you should not get another dose of that type of vaccine.

CDC recommends that people getting a booster get an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna). However, if you had a severe allergic reaction after a dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or if you have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, you may be able to get the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.

Learn about getting a different type of COVID-19 vaccine after an allergic reaction.

If You Have Had an Immediate Allergic Reaction to Other Vaccines or Injectables

If you have had an immediate allergic reaction (a reaction that started within 4 hours) to any vaccine other than a COVID-19 vaccine or any injectable therapy, you may still be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine. However, your doctor may refer you to an allergy and immunology specialist for additional care or advice.

If You Had a Non-severe Allergic Reaction to a COVID-19 Vaccine

If you had an immediate allergic reaction (a reaction that started within 4 hours of getting vaccinated) to a COVID-19 vaccine, but the reaction was not considered severe by a medical professional, you likely can receive another dose of the same vaccine under certain conditions. Your doctor may refer you to an allergy and immunology specialist for additional care or advice.

If You Had a Rash on the Arm where You Got a COVID-19 Shot

If you had a red, itchy, swollen, or painful rash where you got a COVID-19 shot, you should still get another shot at the scheduled date and time. This applies to second, additional, or booster shots. Your vaccination provider may recommend that you get your next COVID-19 vaccine in the opposite arm, if possible.

These rashes can start a few days to more than a week after your shot and are sometimes quite large. These rashes are also known as “COVID arm.” Tell your vaccination provider that you experienced a rash or “COVID arm” after your shot. Your vaccination provider may recommend that you get your next COVID-19 vaccine in the opposite arm if possible.

If the rash is itchy, you can take an antihistamine. If it is painful, you can take a pain medication like acetaminophen or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Safeguards Are in Place

• Everyone who gets a COVID-19 vaccine should be monitored on site for at least 15 minutes after vaccination.
• You should be monitored for 30 minutes if:
  • You have had a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis due to any cause.
  • You have had any type of immediate (within 4 hours) allergic reaction to a non-COVID-19 vaccine or injectable therapy.
  • You had a severe allergic reaction to one type of COVID-19 vaccine (for example, an mRNA vaccine) and are now receiving another type of COVID-19 vaccine (for example, a viral vector). This vaccination should only be done in a health clinic, medical facility, or doctor’s office.
  • You had an immediate (within 4 hours) allergic reaction that was not severe from a previous dose of that type of COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccination should only be done in a health clinic, medical facility, or doctor’s office.

CDC Is Monitoring Reports of Severe Allergic Reactions

If someone has a severe allergic reaction after getting vaccinated, their vaccination provider will send a report to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).  VAERS is a national system that collects reports from healthcare professionals, vaccine manufacturers, and the public about adverse events that happen after vaccination. Reports of adverse events that are unexpected, appear to happen more often than expected, or have unusual patterns are followed up with specific studies.

Learn more about how CDC and federal partners are monitoring the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States, including reports of selected adverse events after COVID-19 vaccination.

Immunization Reactions

Is this your child’s symptom?

• Reactions to a recent immunization (vaccine)
• Most are reactions at the shot site (such as pain, swelling, redness)
• General reactions (such as a fever or being fussy) may also occur

Reactions to These Vaccines are Covered:

• Chickenpox (varicella) virus
• COVID-19 virus
• DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
• Hemophilus influenzae type b
• Hepatitis A virus
• Hepatitis B virus
• Human Papilloma virus
• Influenza virus
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• Meningococcal
• Polio virus
• Pneumococcal
• Rotavirus
• Tuberculosis (BCG vaccine)

Symptoms of Vaccine Reactions

• Local Reactions. Shot sites can have swelling, redness and pain. Most often, these symptoms start within 24 hours of the shot. They most often last 3 to 5 days. With the DTaP vaccine, they can last up to 7 days.
• Fever. Fever with most vaccines begins within 24 hours and lasts 1 to 2 days.
• Delayed Reactions. With the MMR and chickenpox shots, fever and rash can occur. These symptoms start later. They usually begin between 1 and 4 weeks.
• Anaphylaxis. Severe allergic reactions are very rare. They start within 20 minutes. Sometimes can occur up to 2 hours after the shot. Vaccine health workers know how to treat these reactions.

Vaccine Free App

• Vaccines on the Go app from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• This free app can answer any vaccine questions you may have
• It is fact-based and up-to-date

When to Call for Immunization Reactions

Call 911 Now

• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Not moving or very weak
• Can’t wake up
• You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

• Fever in baby less than 12 weeks old. Caution: do NOT give your baby any fever medicine before being seen.
• Fever over 104° F (40° C)
• Fever after vaccine given and weak immune system (such as sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, organ transplant, taking oral steroids)
• Crying nonstop lasts more than 3 hours
• Rotavirus vaccine followed by vomiting or severe crying
• Your child looks or acts very sick
• You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

• Redness around the shot becomes larger and more painful to touch after 3 days
• Fever lasts more than 3 days
• Fever returns after being gone more than 24 hours
• Measles vaccine rash (starts day 6 to 12 after shot) lasts more than 4 days
• You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

• Redness or red streak around shot is larger than 2 inches (5 cm)
• Redness, swelling or pain is getting worse after 3 days
• Fussiness from vaccine lasts more than 3 days
• You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

• Normal immunization reaction (mild redness and swelling, fever)

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Care Advice for Immunization Reactions

Treatment for Common Immunization Reactions

1. What You Should Know About Common Shot Reactions:
   • Immunizations (vaccines) protect your child against serious diseases.
   • Pain, redness and swelling are normal where the shot was given. Most symptoms start within the first 12 hours after the shot was given. Redness and fever starting on day 1 or 2 of the shot is always normal.
   • All of these reactions mean the vaccine is working.
   • Your child’s body is making new antibodies to protect against the real disease.
   • Most of these symptoms will only last 2 or 3 days.
   • There is no need to see your doctor for normal reactions, such as redness or fever.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Vaccine Site Reaction: Treatment
   • Some pain, swelling and skin redness at the injection site is normal. It means the vaccine is working.
   • Massage: gently massage the injection site 3 or more times a day.
   • Heat: for pain or redness, apply a heating pad or a warm wet washcloth to the area for 10 minutes. Repeat as needed. Reason: will increase blood flow to the area. May apply cold if you prefer, but avoid ice.
   • No Pain Medicine: try not to give any pain medicines. Reason: pain medicines may reduce the body’s normal immune response. Use local heat instead. Pain rarely becomes bad. If needed, use acetaminophen.
   • Hives at the Shot Site: if itchy, can put on 1% hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortaid). No prescription is needed. Use twice daily as needed.
3. Fever with Vaccines: Treatment
   • Fever with vaccines is normal, harmless and probably helpful. Reason: fever speeds up your body’s immune system.
   • Fever with most vaccines begins within 12 hours and lasts 1 to 2 days.
   • For low grade fevers of 100-102&deg F (37.8 to 39&deg C), do not give fever medicines. Reason: they may reduce your body’s normal immune response.
   • For fevers above 102° F (39° C), medicine may be given for discomfort. If needed, use acetaminophen.
   • Fluids. Encourage cool fluids in unlimited amounts. Reason: prevent dehydration. Fluids can also lower high fevers. For infants age younger than 6 months, only give formula or breastmilk.
   • Clothing. Dress in normal clothing. For shivering or the chills, use a blanket until it stops.
4. General Symptoms From Vaccines:
   • All vaccines can cause mild fussiness, crying and restless sleep. This is usually due to a sore shot site.
   • Some children sleep more than usual. A decreased appetite and activity level are also common.
   • These symptoms are normal. They do not need any treatment.
   • They will usually go away in 24-48 hours.
5. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Redness becomes larger than 2 inches (5 cm)
   • Redness becomes more painful after 3 days
   • Fever starts after 2 days (or lasts more than 3 days)
   • Redness or pain lasts more than 7 days
   • You think your child needs to be seen
   • Your child becomes worse

Specific Immunization Reactions

1. Chickenpox Vaccine:
   • Pain or swelling at the shot site for 1 to 2 days. (20% of children)
   • Mild fever lasting 1 to 3 days begins 14 to 28 days after the shot (10%). Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever over 102° F (39°C).
   • Never give aspirin for fever, pain or within 6 weeks of getting the shot. Reason: Risk of Reye syndrome, a rare but serious brain disease.
   • Chickenpox-like rash (usually 2 red bumps) at the shot site (3%)
   • Chickenpox-like rash (usually 5 red bumps) scattered over the body (4%)
   • This mild rash begins 5 to 26 days after the shot. Most often, it lasts a few days.
   • Children with these rashes can go to child care or school. Reason: For practical purposes, vaccine rashes are not spread to others.
   • Exception: Do not go to school if red bumps drain fluid and are widespread. Reason: can be actual chickenpox.
   • Caution: If vaccine rash contains fluid, cover it with clothing. You can also use a bandage (such as Band-Aid).
2. COVID-19 Vaccine
   • Injection site reactions. Pain and tenderness starts within 8 hours (90% of patients). Other local reactions are some swelling (10%) or skin redness (5%). Local symptoms usually last 1 to 3 days.
   • General body symptoms after the second dose. Fever (15%), chills (40%), tiredness (70%), muscle aches (50%) and headaches (60%). Runny nose and sore throat are more common with Omicron variant. Some other mild side effects are decreased appetite, nausea, dizziness, and increased sleep.
   • General symptoms start at about 24 hours. They usually last 1 day, sometimes 2.
   • Vaccines with 2 doses. Symptoms are more frequent after the 2nd vaccine.
   • Vaccines with one dose. Side effects were the same type, but a little less often.
   • Booster shots. Side effects much the same.
   • The vaccine does not cause any respiratory symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sore throat or shortness of breath.
   • It is impossible to get COVID-19 from the vaccine. Reason: there is no live COVID-19 virus in the vaccine.
   • Severe allergic reactions to the vaccine are very rare.
3. Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) Vaccine:
   • The following harmless reactions to DTaP can occur:
   • Pain, tenderness, swelling and redness at the shot site are the main side effects. This happens in 25% of children. It usually starts within the first 12 hours. Redness and fever starting on day 1 of the shot is always normal. It lasts for 3 to 7 days.
   • Fever (in 25% of children) and lasts for 24 to 48 hours
   • Mild drowsiness (30%), fretfulness (30%) or poor appetite (10%) and lasts for 24 to 48 hours.
   • Large swelling over 4 inches (10 cm) can follow the later doses of DTaP. The area of redness is smaller. This usually occurs with the 4th or 5th dose. It occurs in 5% of children. Most children can still move the leg or arm normally.
   • The large thigh or upper arm swelling goes away without treatment by day 3 (60%) to day 7 (90%).
   • This is not an allergy. Future DTaP vaccines are safe to give.
4. Hemophilus Influenza Type B Vaccine (Hib):
   • No serious reactions reported.
   • Sore injection site or mild fever only occurs in 2% of children.
5. Hepatitis A Vaccine:
   • No serious reactions reported.
   • Sore injection occurs in 20% of children.
   • Loss of appetite occurs in 10% of children.
   • Headache occurs in 5% of children.
   • Most often, no fever is present.
   • If these symptoms occur, they most often last 1-2 days.
6. Hepatitis B Virus Vaccine (HBV):
   • No serious reactions reported.
   • Sore shot site occurs in 30% of children and mild fever in 3% of children.
   • Fever from the vaccine is rare. Any baby under 2 months with a fever after this shot should be examined.
7. Influenza Virus Vaccine:
   • Pain, tenderness or swelling at the injection site occurs within 6 to 8 hours. This happens in 10% of children.
   • Mild fever under 103° F (39.5° C) occurs in 20% of children. Fevers mainly occur in young children.
   • Nasal Influenza Vaccine: Congested or runny nose, mild fever.
8. Measles Vaccine (part of MMR):
   • The measles shot can cause a fever (10% of children) and rash (5% of children). This occurs about 6 to 12 days after the shot.
   • Mild fever under 103° F (39.5°C) in 10% and lasts 2 or 3 days.
   • The mild pink rash is mainly on the trunk and lasts 2 or 3 days.
   • No treatment is needed. The rash cannot be spread to others. Your child can go to child care or to school with the rash.
   • Call Your Doctor If:
     • Rash changes to blood-colored spots
     • Rash lasts more than 3 days
9. Meningococcal Vaccine:
   • No serious reactions.
   • Sore shot site for 1 to 2 days occurs in 50%. Limited use of the arm occurs in 15% of children.
   • Mild fever occurs in 5%, headache in 40% and joint pain in 20%
   • The vaccine never causes meningitis.
10. Mumps or Rubella Vaccine (part of MMR):
    • There are no serious reactions.
    • Sometimes, a sore shot site can occur.
11. Papillomavirus Vaccine:
    • No serious reactions.
    • Sore injection site for few days in 90%.
    • Mild redness and swelling at the shot site (in 50%).
    • Fever over 100.4° F (38.0° C) in 10% and fever over 102° F (39° C) in 2%.
    • Headache in 30%.
12. Pneumococcal Vaccine:
    • No serious reactions.
    • Pain, tenderness, swelling or redness at the injection site in 20%.
    • Mild fever under 102° F (39° C) in 15% for 1-2 days.
13. Polio Vaccine:
    • Polio vaccine given by shot sometimes causes some muscle soreness.
    • Polio vaccine given by mouth is no longer used in the U.S.
14. Rotavirus Vaccine:
    • Most often, no serious reactions to this vaccine given by mouth.
    • Mild diarrhea or vomiting for 1 to 2 days in 3%.
    • No fever.
    • Rare serious reaction: intussusception. Risk is 1 in 100,000 (CDC). Presents with vomiting or severe crying.
15. BCG Vaccine for Tuberculosis (TB):
    • Vaccine used to prevent TB in high-risk groups or countries. It is not used in the US or most of Canada. Note: This is different than the skin test placed on the forearm to detect TB.
    • BCG vaccine is given into the skin of the right shoulder area.
    • Timing: Mainly given to infants and young children.
    • Normal reaction: After 6 to 8 weeks, a blister forms. It gradually enlarges and eventually drains a whitish yellow liquid. The blister then heals over leaving a scar. The raised scar is proof of BCG protection against TB.
    • Abnormal reaction: Abscess (infected lump) occurs in the shoulder or under the arm. Occurs in 1% of patients.
    • Call Your Doctor If:
      • Blister turns into a large red lump
      • Lymph node in the armpit becomes large

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the ‘Call Your Doctor’ symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 06/23/2023

Last Revised: 12/30/2022

Copyright 2000-2023. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Allergies and vaccination of children – Treatment of allergies and asthma in Allergomed

If a child has allergic diseases, parents often worry about whether it will worsen after vaccination, whether the child will have a reaction to the vaccine itself?

The risk of developing an allergic reaction to a vaccine for any person is approximately 1:2,000,000. This is a rather rare situation.

Often a temperature reaction or skin reaction in the form of redness at the injection site is regarded by parents as a severe response to the vaccine. Although this is a normal post-vaccination situation.

Can vaccination exacerbate an allergic disease?

No, it cannot, but it must be carried out during the period of remission (no clinical manifestations)

That is, if there is an exacerbation of the skin syndrome in atopic dermatitis or an exacerbation of bronchial asthma, the vaccination should be postponed until the allergic process subsides.

Other parents are concerned about whether vaccination can provoke an allergic disease?

The answer to this question is definitely no. This is supported by numerous studies that compared the incidence of allergic diseases among vaccinated and unvaccinated. This data is no different.

The mechanism of the immune response to the vaccine and the mechanism leading to the development of allergic diseases are completely different.

In childhood, allergy occurs for the first time due to the fact that the child is faced with many new proteins for himself, and vaccines are also planned at an early age. And these 2 events often coincide. Studies show that there is no connection between vaccination and the development of allergic diseases.

Children with allergic diseases have their own characteristics. Here are some of them . Some

infectious diseases, such as whooping cough, can be a factor predisposing to the development of bronchial asthma, so the whooping cough vaccine is clearly indicated for children at risk for allergic diseases.

Also, such an infectious agent as pneumococcus can aggravate, exacerbate the course of bronchial asthma.

There is a vaccine for this infection, Prevenar 13.

Allergic diseases are additional indications for vaccination.

Many are concerned about the presence of an allergic reaction to eggs when planning a vaccination against influenza or measles, rubella and mumps, because these vaccines are grown on fibroblasts of chicken or quail eggs, that is, a protein of common origin with eggs. But in fact, the protein in the vaccine is different from the food proteins of the egg, and the vaccine also contains less than the threshold protein, that is, the amount that the immune system will not be able to recognize.

To date, food allergy to eggs is not one of the absolute contraindications to vaccination.

Our clinic employs allergists and pediatricians who have extensive experience in working with children with allergic pathology.

Careful examination before vaccination, observation after vaccination is a guarantee of peace of mind for the parents of our little patients.

We successfully vaccinate children with allergies, because in certain cases they primarily need protection against infections.

Reaction to vaccinations in a child

Vaccinations are one of the most effective means of preventing many dangerous diseases. Childhood diseases that in the past meant tragic consequences for the child, such as polio, are extremely rare today, thanks to mass vaccination. There is simply no better way to protect your child’s body from the attacks of viral and infectious diseases than vaccinations. In a word, no one questions the benefits of vaccinations, but it is important to remember that your child’s body can react to the vaccine quite unexpectedly.

Vaccination is not an easy procedure. It is imperative to prepare for it, and a number of precautions must be observed after vaccination.

So, let’s figure it out: what types of reactions to vaccinations are there and in which of them you need to sound the alarm?

Reactions to vaccinations

Reactions to vaccinations are divided into local and general – they appear directly at the site of vaccine administration or affect the state of the body as a whole. Some discomfort after vaccination is completely normal, as is a short-term rise in temperature. But there are also conditions that require urgent intervention.

Like any drug, the vaccines used for vaccinations can (although in extremely rare cases – about 1 in a few hundred) cause allergic reactions. This is due to the body’s reaction to a foreign protein.

In addition, a purely psychological moment cannot be ruled out: it happens that a child has such a strong fear of the procedure that the body begins to react inadequately to any injection.

It is very important to properly prepare the child for vaccination: explain why it is needed, reassure, and only then proceed directly to the introduction of the vaccine. Our pediatricians are competent specialists who are able to find an individual approach to a small patient and minimize discomfort.

Local reactions to the vaccine

In general, there is swelling and redness at the injection site, and a small rash may appear. Redness and pain usually resolve within 7-10 days. But a small seal can resolve even longer – up to 2 months. This is not a cause for concern.

If pain persists at the injection site, and the seal is very hard, see your pediatrician, he will prescribe drugs that will help speed up resorption.

When to worry

Estimate the size of the redness at the injection site by measuring it with a ruler. If the diameter of the redness reaches or exceeds 5 cm, and there is inflammation of the lymph nodes, consult a doctor immediately – your child’s body reacts too violently to the vaccine.

General reactions to vaccination

The most common of the general reactions to vaccination is fever. It is observed almost always and indicates that the child’s body has detected an “invasion” of the vaccine and has begun to fight the infection or virus. Normally, the temperature rises to 37-38 ° and lasts 1-2 days. An increase in temperature may be accompanied by:

• drowsiness
• headache
• moodiness
• lack of appetite
• All this is also considered normal.

When to worry

If the temperature rises above 38°C or persists for more than 3-4 days, seek medical attention immediately.
Individual reactions to vaccinations

In rare cases, the following reactions to vaccination may occur:

• low blood pressure
• dizziness and fainting
• pallor, weakness
• allergic manifestations (rash, swelling, in exceptional cases – anaphylactic shock)

The risk of these consequences increases if your child has been diagnosed with vascular dystonia or hypotension and is allergic to any foods or drugs.

Before sending a child for vaccination, the doctor of our clinic will definitely try to find out the presence of these factors, and also explain to you how to deal with possible consequences.

If your child is very anxious or has had fainting spells, it is best to lie down on the couch for a while after vaccination to avoid the risk of fainting and possible injury from a fall.