FA16 Immunization Module’s Updates

Contraindications for Vaccines

There are several common misconceptions when it comes to vaccinations, one of which is contraindications. For example, many pregnant women are fearful of receiving vaccinations in fear of harming their child, and many people refuse to get their annual influenza vaccination because they may have developed a minor fever or cough after receiving it before.

The CDC has tried to alleviate these concerns by posting numerous helpful articles, such as which vaccinations are safe during pregnancy, times vaccinations are contraindicated, and times vaccinations should be administered, but "with caution."

I found it most interesting that the CDC rarely ever does not recommend a vaccination, e.g. there really are no contraindications, aside from "severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)." They also do not recommend live attenuated vaccinations for pregnant women. Otherwise, reasons people commonly think they cannot get a vaccine, such as current minor illness, recent illness, or having developed mild symptoms after receiving the vaccination before, are essentially void. People with those conditions can and should still receive the vaccine. 

I also found it interesting that the CDC has accepted that physicians frequently do not recommend a vaccine if a patient is convinced that he/she had an allergic reaction to it before. Yet again, the CDC states that aside from anaphylaxis (and a few other minor exceptions) people should still be vaccinated. As future physicians, I think we should be aware of valid and invalid contraindications and attempt to educate our patients as such.

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/admin/contraindications-adults.html

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/admin/contraindications-misconceptions.html

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pregnancy/hcp/guidelines.html

  • Robbie George
  • Cory Mahler
  • Richard Tapping