Vaccine Side Effects
While vaccines are considered safe, just like with any medications, they can have side effects. Most of the side effects are considered mild, these include: mild fever and redness and soreness at the injection site.
There are some children that can experience allergic reactions to components or preservatives in a vaccine. An allergic reaction will happen within minutes or up to several hours after the vaccination. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can be: hives, difficulty breathing, weakness, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness. Because of possible allergic reactions, it is always important to discuss any allergies your child may have with your doctor.
There have been reports of serious injury after a vaccination. Most of these reactions occur so rarely, that it has not been established that the vaccine caused them. A report that the chemical preservative, Thimerosal, might be linked to autism in children has been discredited. If you feel that your child may have been injured by a vaccination, there are programs to report it as well as receive help for their future care.
VAERS – Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System
VAERS collects reports of possible vaccination related injuries. If you suspect that your child has had an adverse event caused by a vaccine, first report it to your doctor. Most doctor’s offices will report the event for you. You can also file a report or learn more by calling 800-822-7967 or by visiting the website at www.vaers.hhs.gov.
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
If your child were to have a serious injury that proves to be caused by a vaccine, then you can contact the National Vaccine Injury Compensation program to receive help. This program will provide compensation to help with their care. You can learn more by calling the program at 800-338-2382, or by visiting the website www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation.
By Jane Gingrich – She has spent many years in the health care industry and clinical researcher. She writes for our online baby clothes boutique that specializes in all things perfect for your baby. Sweet baby headbands, adorable baby hats, and trendy baby clothes. The boutique is named for our focus of wanting to be the place where you tell other that you find “My” Baby Clothes.
