Who Is At Risk for Vaccine-Related Complications?

Although the CDC’s recommended vaccines are considered generally safe for most people, some individuals are at greater risk than others for experiencing vaccine-related complications. Understanding your risk level (or your child’s risk level) is important so that you can make informed decisions about whether—and when—to get vaccinated. While the risks of getting vaccinated can outweigh the benefits for some people, it is also important not to avoid immunization based on misguided assumptions. Here is some important information from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP):

Contraindications and Precautions: Two Different Levels of Vaccine-Related Risk

The ACIP divides vaccine-related risks into two categories: contraindications and precautions. As the ACIP explains, contraindications are health conditions “under which vaccines should not be administered.” In contrast, precautions are conditions “that might increase the risk for a serious adverse reaction, might cause diagnostic confusion, or might compromise the ability of the vaccine to produce immunity . . . [and] a vaccination might be indicated in the presence of a precaution if the benefit of protection from the vaccine outweighs the risk for an adverse reaction.”

Notably, the ACIP indicates that both contraindications and precautions are often temporary—stating that “[b]ecause the majority of contraindications are temporary, vaccinations often can be administered later when the condition leading to a contraindication no longer exists,” and “[i]n general, vaccinations should be deferred when a precaution is present.” As a result, even if an individual is at risk for vaccine-related complications at a certain point in time, it may be in that individual’s best interest to get vaccinated at a later date.

The contraindications and precautions are different for different vaccines. For example, the following are the ACIP’s current contraindications and precautions for some of the most common CDC-recommended immunizations:

Diphtheria and Tetanus (DT and Td)

Contraindication(s): Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) following a previous dose or administration of any other vaccine sharing a component with DT or Td.

Precaution(s): Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) diagnosed within six weeks of a previous dose of a tetanus vaccine; history of Arthus-type hypersensitivity reactions after a previous dose of any tetanus or diphtheria vaccine; or, moderate-to-severe illness (with or without fever).

Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (DTaP)

Contraindication(s): Anaphylaxis following a previous dose or any other vaccine sharing a component with DTaP; or encephalopathy not attributable to another identifiable cause diagnosed within seven days of a previous dose of DTP or DTaP.

Precaution(s): Progressive neurologic disorders, GBS diagnosed within six weeks of a previous dose of a tetanus vaccine; history of Arthus-type hypersensitivity reactions after a previous dose of any tetanus or diphtheria vaccine; or moderate-to-severe illness.

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B

Contraindication(s): Anaphylaxis following a previous dose or any other vaccine sharing a component with the Hepatitis A or Hepatitis B vaccine.

Precaution(s): Moderate-to-severe illness.

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)

Contraindication(s): Anaphylaxis following a previous dose or any other vaccine sharing a component with the Hib vaccine prior to six weeks of age.

Precaution(s): Moderate-to-severe illness.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Contraindication(s): Anaphylaxis following a previous dose or any other vaccine sharing a component with the HPV vaccine, including yeast.

Precaution(s): Moderate-to-severe illness.

Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (IIV)

Contraindication(s): Anaphylaxis following a previous dose or any other vaccine sharing a component with the IIV vaccine.

Precaution(s): GBS diagnosed within six weeks of a previous dose of an influenza vaccine; moderate-to-severe illness; egg allergy other than hives.

Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV)

Contraindication(s): Anaphylaxis following a previous dose or any other vaccine sharing a component with the LAIV vaccine; concurrent use of medications containing aspirin or salicylate; pregnancy; active cerebrospinal fluid leaks; close contacts with severely immunosuppressed individuals; cochlear implants; altered immunocompetence; anatomic or functional asplenia.

Precaution(s): GBS diagnosed within six weeks of a previous dose of an influenza vaccine; asthma; medical conditions that present heightened risk for complications from influenza; moderate-to-severe illness.

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

Contraindication(s): Anaphylaxis following a previous dose or any other vaccine sharing a component with the IPV vaccine; severe immunodeficiency; family history of altered immunocompetence; pregnancy.

Precaution(s): Receipt of an antibody-containing blood product within the past 11 months; history of thrombocytopenia or thrombocytopenic purpura; the need for tuberculin skin testing or IGRA testing; moderate-to-severe illness.

Polio (IPV)

Contraindication(s): Anaphylaxis following a previous dose or any other vaccine sharing a component with the IPV vaccine.

Precaution(s): Pregnancy; moderate-to-severe illness.

Varicella (Chickenpox)

Contraindication(s): Anaphylaxis following a previous dose or any other vaccine sharing a component with the varicella vaccine; severe immunodeficiency; family history of altered immunocompetence; pregnancy.

Precaution(s): Receipt of an antibody-containing blood product within the past 11 months; receipt of certain antiviral drugs 24 hours before vaccination; use of aspirin or aspirin-containing medications; moderate-to-severe illness.

In general, the CDC also recommends that “If you are not feeling well, [you should] talk to your doctor about your symptoms.” In some cases, prospective vaccine recipients and parents will need to weigh the benefits of vaccination against the potential risks and make an informed decision with the help of their physician.

What If You Experience a Vaccine-Related Complication?

For anyone who experiences a vaccine-related complication (or whose child experiences a vaccine-related complication), seeking medical attention should be the first priority. With many types of vaccine injuries, prompt treatment can be essential for mitigating the risks involved.

Those who are coping with the effects of vaccine-related complications should also consult with a lawyer about their rights under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP pays financial compensation to eligible vaccine recipients and family members—and it does so without regard to fault. Claimants can obtain compensation for their families’ medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering, and they can hire a lawyer to represent them at no cost.

Talk To a Lawyer About Your Legal Rights Under the VICP

If you need to know more about seeking financial compensation for a vaccine-related complication, we encourage you to contact us for a free and confidential consultation. To discuss your legal rights with lawyer Leah V. Durant, please call 202-800-1711 or tell us how we can reach you online today.

 

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 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.