Traveling Abroad: What Vaccines Do You Need and What are the Risks?
If you are planning to travel abroad, you may need to get a vaccine before you go. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend various vaccines for individuals who are traveling to overseas destinations, and these vaccines can provide critical protection against diseases that do not present a threat...
Did You Experience an Allergic Reaction to a Vaccine Containing Gelatin or Egg Protein?
For individuals who are allergic to gelatin or egg protein, getting immunized with certain vaccines can carry the risk of anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic (or “hypersensitivity”) reaction; and, while it is rare overall, it presents a significant concern for individuals who have these allergies. As a result, prior to...
What are Ordinary Side Effects of the MMR Vaccine?
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is one of the standard childhood vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also recommends MMR vaccination for adults who have not previously been vaccinated. Like all CDC-recommended vaccines, the MMR vaccine is generally safe for most people....
What are the Injury Risks Associated with Adult Vaccinations?
When getting vaccinated, it is important to be aware of both the side effects of the particular vaccine as well as the signs of related vaccine illnesses and injuries. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explain, “Usually vaccine side effects are minor . . . and go away on...
What Should I Do if My Child has an Adverse Reaction to a Vaccine?
If your child has had an adverse reaction to the flu shot or any other vaccination, there are a few steps you will want to take to ensure your child’s wellbeing and to make sure your family has the financial resources it needs to manage the costs of your child’s illness...
How Can I Find Out if I am Allergic to a Vaccine?
Having an allergic reaction to a vaccine can potentially lead to serious consequences. A severe allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis, and the effects of anaphylaxis can range from swelling and hives to anaphylactic shock.
So, how can you find out if you are allergic to a vaccine?
When Does the CDC Consider a Vaccine “Safe”?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers all approved vaccines to be generally safe for most people. In fact, on its website, the CDC simply states, “Vaccines are safe and effective.” However, all vaccines have known side effects, and getting vaccinated can lead to serious medical issues...
Can a Vaccine Cause Chronic Arthritis?
There are several different types of illnesses and injuries that have been linked to vaccinations. Some of these, such as encephalopathy, are linked to specific vaccines (DTP, DTaP, MMR and MMRV), while others, such as shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA), are risks for all vaccine recipients. Chronic arthritis falls into...
5 Fast Facts About GBS and the Flu Vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the annual flu shot for most people. According to the CDC’s data, the flu shot prevents millions of recipients from getting influenza each year, and tens of thousands of people avoid influenza-associated hospitalizations as a result of getting vaccinated....
New CDC Video Series Answers Common Questions about the HPV Vaccine
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommended vaccines. The CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for children at age 11 or 12 (and potentially as early as age nine), for teens and young adults who have not previously been vaccinated, and...