ADVERSE VACCINE REACTIONS

Key words: Vaccine, Adverse reactions

Adverse reactions to vaccine vary from trivial to severe. Mild reactions include systemic symptoms (fever after DTP vaccine or rash after live measles vaccine) or local flogosis after DTP. Sterile abscesses may occur after immunization with a variety of killed vaccines and may be caused by the inadvertent subcutaneous administration of a vaccine intended for intramuscolar use. Rare, serious consequences of vaccine use that result in severe sequelae or death can also occur impredictably. Examples are paralytic polio after live polio vaccine or hypersensitivity reactions to vaccine components such as bovine or suine collagen, neomycine, mercury. Egg allergy does not represent a contraindication to vaccines containing egg proteins. Health professionals should know the specific reactions that may be associated with the administration of the most commonly used vaccines.