FA16 Immunization Module’s Updates

Vaccine Contraindications

Vaccine Contraindications

Contraindications for giving a vaccine can be divided into two categories; permanent and temporary.

Permanent contraindications are those that cannot be avoided by waiting for a better opportunity to vaccinate. These include:

-Severe allergic reactions

  • A severe allergic reaction is one that results in hives all over the body, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure or shock
  • People with only mild allergic reactions to vaccines can still receive the vaccination.
  • Be sure to be aware of the contents of the vaccine being given and ask the person receiving the vaccine if they have any allergies

-Encephalopathy (general brain dysfunction)

  • Encephalopathy of unknown cause within 7 days of a previous pertussis vaccination is a contraindication for any further pertussis vaccine doses.
  • Encephalopathy after pertussis vaccination is not a contraindication for other vaccines.

-Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)

  • Children with SCID or anyone who is permanently immune-compromised should not be given live attenuated vaccines

Temporary contraindications are those that can be avoided by waiting for a better opportunity to vaccinate. These include:

-Pregnancy

  • Live attenuated vaccines pose a possible but never observed risk to the fetus. Inactivated vaccines, however, can typically be given to pregnant women.

-Moderate to Severe Illness


-Temporary Immunosuppression

  • A person who is temporarily Immune-suppressed (by Chemotherapy, Radiation, high doses of corticosteroids, etc.) is also contraindicated.

Sources:

CDC immunization training http://www2a.cdc.gov/nip/isd/ycts/mod1/courses/genrec/ce.asp
Immunizations PPT

  • Michael Lin