Background: Adverse events after vaccinations may lead to discontinuation of subsequent vaccinations. Anaphylactic reactions are rare. Therefore, it is important to rule out true allergic reactions and provide a plan for further vaccinations.
Aim: To describe the pattern of adverse reactions to vaccines and the management in the Allergy clinic.
Methods: The clinical data and management details of the children with adverse reactions to vaccines referred during 3 years (August 2011-August 2014) were collected. The reactions were divided to immediate (< 2 hours), late (> 2 hours, during the first 24 hours after vaccination), and delayed (> 24 hours). Prick skin tests were performed as indicated.
Results: 19 children were included (12 boys ,age range: 3 months-2.5 years,mean:8.5 months)) . Twenty two adverse events were reported: one at age 1 months (hepatitis B),7 at age 2 months (first DTaP-IPV-HIB, PREVENAR and ROTA virus vaccinations),7 at age 4 months (second vaccinations),6 at age 6 months (third DTaP-IPV-HIB vaccination ),1 at age 1.5 years (hepatitis A ). The reactions were immediate in 8 (hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode in 3,urticaria/rash in 5) ,late in 9 (hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode in 2,urticaria/rash in 7), and delayed in 5(urticaria in 3,diarrhea 2 ).All prick skin tests were negative. Sixty one vaccinations were given in the clinic. DTaP (DT only in two of the five hypotonic-hyporesponsive episodes )-IPV-HIB vaccine was separated to 3 injections one week apart each. No adverse events were noted.
Conclusions: No anaphylactic reactions after vaccinations were noted in our study population. Separating the vaccinations can ensure the effective completion of the vaccination program.
