Vaccine Side Effects   by Ozi

Vaccine side effects can be defined as the adverse reactions that may be caused due to a vaccine. Almost all vaccines have a localized effect, such as swelling, soreness, redness and pain at the place where the vaccine is administered. These symptoms generally subside and go away within a few days after the vaccination.

A few individuals may also develop a lump at the site of the injection. The lump may take a few weeks to settle but is generally not uncomfortable. A few side effects of a vaccine may be felt by some individuals. Symptoms such as fever, head pain, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and loss of appetite. These general side effects also go away in a few days.

In some rare cases, individuals may have long term side effects of vaccination. Severe allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis may be seen in some people. Anxiety, swelling of the lips, hives, breathing difficulties and collapse may be seen in some individuals. Such people need to be administered adrenaline to combat these vaccine side effects.

To reduce the pain and the discomfort that a vaccine may cause, administration of paracetamol is recommended. Paracetamol dosage should be within the prescribed limits and should be given with a time gap of two hours between doses. To provide relief from redness and swelling at the injection spot, placing a cold wet clean towel is recommended.

To combat high temperature caused by a vaccine, give the patient plenty of fluids to ensure that he/she does not feel dehydrated. Remove any extra layers of clothing and keep the individuals under a fan to cool them. Do not provide bath with cold water as this may reduce the body• s core temperature.

Vaccine side effects are mild and common and usually are curable themselves. Very rarely does an individual suffer from a severe side effect that may last for the entire lifetime.

To reduce the pain and the discomfort that a vaccine may cause, administration of paracetamol is recommended. Paracetamol dosage should be within the prescribed limits and should be given with a time gap of two hours between doses. To provide relief from redness and swelling at the injection spot, placing a cold wet clean towel is recommended.

To combat high temperature caused by a vaccine, give the patient plenty of fluids to ensure that he/she does not feel dehydrated. Remove any extra layers of clothing and keep the individuals under a fan to cool them. Do not provide bath with cold water as this may reduce the body• s core temperature.

Vaccine side effects are mild and common and usually are curable themselves. Very rarely does an individual suffer from a severe side effect that may last for the entire lifetime.