Vaccinations, like any other medication, have the potential to cause unwanted side effects that may range from barely noticeable and mild symptoms to those that may be life-threatening. Knowing steps to take in the case of an adverse reaction to a vaccination may help in many ways, such as:
- Ensuring timely emergency care in case of severe reactions
- Encouraging appropriate assessment and treatment recommended by a healthcare professional
- Providing additional education for the individual and perhaps updated information sheets that reflect current trends
- Encouraging more complete data related to that vaccination
What Should You Do if You are Having a Reaction to a Vaccine?
People who begin to experience serious or potentially life-threatening symptoms after receiving any type of vaccine should seek immediate emergency care. In most places in the United States, calling 911 is the best course of action. Fortunately, this type of serious reaction tends to be much less common than milder symptoms.
According to the CDC's Adverse Event Reporting System Summary accessed on December 19, 2010, a serious reaction to a medication may result in:
- Death
- Permanent disability
- A reaction that is potentially life-threatening
- Hospitalization
It is important to completely understand the benefits and risks of receiving any vaccine before consenting to having one. If a senior receives a written form about the vaccine and he or she is having difficulty reading the form for any reason, it is acceptable to ask to have the form read before consenting to get the shot. Certain health conditions, past medical history, allergies, or medications, for example, may make it necessary to wait to have an immunization or not to receive that particular immunization at any time.
How to Report a Reaction or Adverse Effect From a Vaccine
If a senior experiences adverse effects from an immunization, it is important to notify the healthcare provider with the following information:
- Symptoms experienced, including unusual ones like sudden confusion or changes in vision
- When the adverse effects began
- When the vaccine was received
- Where the vaccine was received, if at a different location
- Any self-treatment of the side effects, if applicable
- Additional information as requested
The healthcare provider may provide additional directions for follow-up care or request to see the senior for further evaluation. An older adult may dread the thought of going in for another appointment or receiving additional treatments, but reporting adverse effects related to an immunization can be very important because this specific information can be added to his or her medical record, which is very helpful, particularly for those who have multiple chronic illnesses and possibly more than one allergy or history of other reactions. It may also assist in collecting more complete data related to immunization side effects on a national level.
The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) collects data regarding adverse events related to vaccines in the United States and is co-sponsored by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Seniors and caregivers may request that his or her doctor file a report with VAERS if they suspect symptoms are related to the vaccine.
People may also contact VAERS directly to report a problem related to a vaccine by calling 1-800-822-7967 or by completing an adverse event. The VAERS form may be submitted online, be faxed, or mailed. Even if the person is not sure that the symptoms are directly related to the vaccine, he or she may still complete a form.
Vaccine Side Effects in Seniors
Although vaccines may help to prevent many illnesses in older adults, they are not without risk. Although most side effects from vaccines are mild, some vaccinations have potentially harmful and serious adverse effects, depending on the immunization and the individual experiencing the problems from the shot. Reporting adverse effects due to a vaccine may help the person experiencing the symptoms through timely, appropriate medical follow-up care, and the report may also help others through more complete nationwide data.
Readers may also wish to read:
- Pros and Cons of the Shingles Vaccine
- Pneumonia Shot (PPV) – What Seniors Should Know
- Flu Shot – What Seniors Should Know
- H1N1 Flu Pandemic – What Seniors Should Know
- Tips for a Senior Caring for Someone with H1N1 Flu
- Pros and Cons of Tamiflu
- Recommended Vaccines for Seniors
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
Sources:
CDC Vaccines and Immunizations web page accessed on 12/19/10
VAERS web page accessed on 12/19/10
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
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