Understanding the Contraindications and Precautions for CDC-Recommended Vaccinations

While receiving vaccinations is a safe and effective means for combatting disease, there are certain diseases and medical conditions that can increase an individual’s risk of an adverse reaction or other negative side effects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) refer to these as “contraindications” and “precautions,” and it advises that:

“Contraindications (conditions in a recipient that increases the risk for a serious adverse reaction) and precautions to vaccination are conditions under which vaccines should not be administered. Because the majority of contraindications and precautions are temporary, vaccinations often can be administered later when the condition leading to a contraindication or precaution no longer exists. A vaccine should not be administered when a contraindication is present. . . . However, certain conditions are commonly misperceived as contraindications (i.e., are not valid reasons to defer vaccination).”

With this in mind, if you have any concerns related to getting vaccinated, you should consult your doctor before making any decisions that could impact your health.

Examples of Contraindications and Precautions for CDC-Recommended Vaccines

The following are some examples of contraindications and precautions for CDC-recommended vaccinations. This list is not exhaustive as to the types of vaccines that have contraindications and precautions, nor is it necessarily exhaustive as to the contraindications and precautious for each of the vaccines listed. For a more complete list, you can view the CDC’s Table of Contraindications and Precautions to Commonly-Used Vaccines.

Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis Vaccines

A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or a vaccine component is a contraindication for DT, Td and DTaP. Encephalopathy not attributable to another identifiable cause within seven days of a previous dose is a contraindication for DTP and DTaP.

Precautions for DT, TD and DTaP include (but are not limited to):

  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) less than six weeks after a previous dose of a tetanus-toxoid vaccine; and,
  • Moderate or severe acute illness (with or without fever).

Hepatitis A and B

A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or a vaccine component is a contraindication for the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines. Hypersensitivity to yeast is also a contraindication for the hepatitis B vaccine. Moderate or severe acute illness (with or without fever) is a precaution for both vaccines.

Measles, Mumps and Rubella

Contraindications for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine include:

  • A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or a vaccine component;
  • A family history of altered immunocompetence
  • Severe immunodeficiency
  • Pregnancy

Precautious for the MMR vaccine include a history of thrombocytopenia or thrombocytopenic purpura, recent receipt of an antibody-containing blood product, and moderate or severe acute illness (with or without fever).

Influenza (the Flu)

A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or a vaccine component is a contraindication for inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV), including all formulations of the flu shot. Precautions for the flu shot include:

  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) less than six weeks after a previous dose of a tetanus-toxoid vaccine;
  • Any egg allergy other than hives; and,
  • Moderate or severe acute illness (with or without fever).

Different contraindications and precautions apply to the nasal-spray live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV).

Nationwide Legal Representation for Individuals with Vaccine Injuries

Vaccine injury lawyer Leah V. Durant represents individuals and families nationwide in claims for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). For more information, you can call 202-800-1711 or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.

Leah Durant Bio

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 the other attorneys in her firm 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.