The Health Butler "Immunizations" category includes information about pediatric and adult immunizations. Feel free to browse through the list or use our search engine to find a specific immunization.
Immunizations are intended to prevent illness. With all immunizations there are certain common issues that may need to be considered and discussed with your healthcare provider.
- Undesirable side effects can occur. For injection immunizations, the most common side effects are soreness, swelling, and/or other changes at the site of injection.
- Those with prior adverse reactions to an immunization or any of its components are usually advised to avoid further doses.
- Serious adverse effects, including allergic reactions, can occur and require immediate medical attention.
- Some immunizations may contain preservatives, latex, egg components, gelatin, antibiotics, yeast and/or other substances.
- Immunizations can cause problems in people with bleeding disorders.
- Timing of immunizations is very important and time to onset of immunity varies.
- Not all immunizations protect against all strains of the disease.
- Immunizations are extremely effective but may not be 100% protective.
- The CDC and the FDA have a joint service called the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at http://vaers.hhs.gov/ or telephone 800-822-7967. This service is designed to receive reports of post-marketing adverse events and to disseminate vaccine adverse event information. Medical advice is not given.
- If certain childhood immunizations are missed, catch-up dosing may be recommended as per the CDC.
- Additional immunizations not listed here may be required for foreign travel and other special circumstances. See http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/spec-grps/default.htm.
- Immunizations may need to be postponed or avoided for people with certain medical conditions.
- Certain conditions can suppress the immune system and affect vaccine recommendations. See http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/acip-list.htm.