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?
Consult with Your Doctor
As with all medical questions, if you would like to find out if you are allergic to a vaccine, you should consult with your doctor. Your doctor can review your medical history, order any necessary tests and determine if you are at risk of having a severe allergic reaction to a particular vaccine.
Review the Vaccine’s List of Ingredients
When someone says that he or she is allergic to a vaccine, what that person really means is that he or she is allergic to a particular vaccine ingredient. All vaccines are comprised of multiple ingredients, some of which are known allergens for many individuals.
For example, one of the most common vaccine-related allergies is an allergy to eggs. Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines; the yellow fever vaccine; and certain formulations of the annual flu shot are produced with the help of egg proteins. As written in the medical journal Pediatrics in Review, “Influenza and MMR [vaccines] frequently create concerns due to their recommended administration to all children younger than age 2 years, a period of life when egg allergy is most common.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintain a list of ingredients for all of the agency’s recommended vaccinations. This list is not complete—so it should not be relied upon exclusively—but it can be a useful resource for individuals who have questions about specific allergy risks linked to vaccinations. As the CDC writes in its Vaccine Excipient Summary:
“The following table lists substances, other than active ingredients (i.e., antigens), shown in the manufacturers’ package insert (PI) as being contained in the final formulation of each vaccine. Note: Substances used in the manufacture of a vaccine but not listed as contained in the final product (e.g., culture media) can be found in each PI, but are not shown on this table.”
The package inserts for all CDC-recommended vaccines are available on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website: Vaccines Licensed for Use in the United States.
What Should I Do if I Experience an Allergic Reaction to a Vaccine?
Anyone who experiences an allergic reaction to a vaccine injection should seek medical attention promptly. While anaphylaxis is an acute event, in some cases the effects can last for several days. Individuals who experience anaphylaxis following a vaccination should also discuss their legal rights with an experienced vaccine attorney, as financial compensation will be available in many cases.
Contact Us for More Information
Vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant represents individuals nationwide in claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP provides no-fault compensation to vaccine recipients, and it pays claimants’ legal fees separately from their awards of financial compensation. To find out if you have a claim for anaphylaxis, call the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates at 202-775-9200 or request a free consultation online today.