Vaccinations: much safer than the alternative

Vaccinations are undoubtedly one of the most important health achievements of the human race. As wondrous as the benefits of vaccinations are, however, they're not perfect, and we do know they carry some risks. The following information will tell you more.

Are vaccinations dangerous? No. While they may cause unpleasant side effects — or worse problems in a very few people — the known risks just don't warrant fear or serious concern. Being unvaccinated, however, can be downright treacherous.

The most common reactions to vaccines are minor muscle soreness or redness at the injection site or a low-grade fever, says vaccination expert Robert H. Hopkins, MD. That said, in a small number of people, there are rare problems caused by "live-virus" vaccines such as the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine; the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine; the shingles (zoster) vaccine; and the nasally administered flu vaccine. All of these vaccines use live but weakened viruses to provoke an immune system response, and they're very safe unless given to the wrong people.

"We don't want to give those vaccines to people who have impaired immune systems," says Dr. Hopkins. These include people with HIV, those receiving chemotherapy, or weak and ill elderly people."The risk is that their immune system may not be able to fight off the weakened virus," he explains. They may develop a "vaccine-associated illness," a condition very similar to the disease the vaccine was intended to prevent. Because doctors are more prudent about to whom they give live-virus vaccines now, this outcome is rare.

Some people have allergic reactions to vaccines, but that's also very rare. Rumours have linked multiple sclerosis and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) to vaccinations, but studies have shown them to be unfounded.

Keep yourself and any young ones in your care up to date on all needed vaccinations. To minimize the already small risks — and to take full advantage of the best that modern vaccination science has to offer — do the following.

• Schedule a vaccination for when you're feeling well — not when you're saddled with a cold or feeling rundown.
• For children who are getting their booster shots, taking an acetaminophen tablet (not aspirin!) beforehand can ease the needle soreness.
• In the days after your child has received a vaccination, don't let him or her have contact with people who could have impaired immune systems, such as sick or elderly people or those receiving chemotherapy. There's a chance the live virus in a vaccine could be transmitted to the vulnerable person.
• Teens and anyone heading off to college should ask their doctors about getting a meningitis vaccination.
• If it's been 10 years since your last tetanus shot, you probably need another dose.
• Females from adolescence to their mid-20s should ask their doctors about getting an HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination to lower their risk of cervical cancer.
• On the off chance that you're an adult who's never had chickenpox or been vaccinated for it (the vaccinations started in 1990), ask your doctor if you should be vaccinated. It can be serious in adults.

Vaccinations decidedly offer more benefits than risks. However, if you believe you or your child has experienced a negative reaction to a vaccination, tell your doctor.