Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination as the best way to prevent the spread of the flu and other diseases, it also says that certain people should not get vaccinated. Since not getting vaccinated carries obvious risks, anyone who has questions about whether it is safe to receive a particular vaccination should consult their doctor.
The CDC provides specific recommendations for each approved vaccine with regard to the health risks that may outweigh the benefits of vaccination. Generally speaking, however, the types of factors that may lead your doctor to recommend against getting vaccinated include the following.
4 Reasons Your Doctor May Recommend Against Vaccination
1. You are Allergic to the Vaccine
Some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions to certain vaccinations, and these reactions can potentially have life-threatening consequences. Anaphylaxis is one of the greatest risks associated with vaccination, and anyone who has had an allergic reaction to a particular vaccine in the past – or who has a known allergy to a vaccine ingredient – should talk to their doctor prior to getting vaccinated.
2. You are Pregnant or May Become Pregnant
While the CDC recommends that women who are pregnant or may become pregnant receive a whopping cough vaccine and an annual flu shot, it advises against the administration of other vaccines during pregnancy. This includes:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
- Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
3. You Have a History of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a potentially-serious autoimmune disorder that causes the body’s immune system to attack the peripheral nervous system. Although the exact cause of GBS remains unknown, it has been linked to the flu shot, the tetanus vaccine and certain other vaccinations. Due to the potential chronic, long-term and potentially fatal effects of GBS, the CDC recommends that anyone with a history of the disease consult their physician prior to immunization.
4. You are Sick or Have Been Diagnosed with an Immunological Disease
Anyone who is sick with the cold or the flu should consult their physician prior to immunization as well. According to the CDC, “Reactions to a vaccine, such as fever, could make it harder to diagnose and treat a serious illness, [and] it’s possible that signs of the illness could be mistaken for a reaction to the vaccine.” Adults and children with mild illnesses may still be able to get vaccinated; but, once again, anyone who is potentially at risk should seek medical advice before making any decisions about whether or not to receive certain vaccinations. The CDC also recommends that individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, certain cancers and other diseases affecting the immune system talk to their doctors before being vaccinated.
Speak with an Experienced Vaccine Lawyer for Free
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with GBS or another vaccine-related illness or injury, vaccine lawyer Leah V. Durant may be able to help you recover financial compensation at little or no financial cost to you. To find out more in a free and confidential consultation, please call (202) 800-1711 or contact us online today.
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Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.