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What are some of the side effects? |
The benefits of childhood vaccination far outweigh the risks. All vaccines can have potential for side effects, but these are usually minor. For example a low grade temperature or localised discomfort at the injection site. In very rare cases children may experience a more serious reaction to a particular vaccine. Discuss side effects with the doctor or nurse before having the vaccine. They will advise ways to reduce side effects.
Important note: If your child has had reactions to past immunisations please see your doctor or child health nurse for more advice.
DTPa (Diphtheria/tetanus/acellular pertussis) vaccine
About 1 in 10 children develop some low grade local inflammation or fever. More serious adverse events are very rare.
Hepatitis B
About 1 in 15 to 1 in 100 will develop mild local discomfort or a low grade temperature. A severe allergic reaction can occur in about 1 in 600 000 cases.
Hib (Hib meningitis)
About 1 in 20 have minor discomfort or local inflammation. About 1 in 50 may develop low grade fever.
Influenza
About 1 in 10 will develop minor local redness or swelling. A very rare condition known as Guillain-Barre syndrome occurs in about 1 in 1 million.
MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
About 1 in 10 have discomfort, local inflammation or fever. About 1 in 100 develops a rash, which is non-infectious. 1 in 1 million recipients may develop encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Mumps
1 in 100 recipients may develop swelling of the salivary glands. 1 in 3 million recipients develop mild encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Polio (oral vaccine)
Less than 1 in 100 recipients develop diarrhoea, headache and/or muscle pains. 1 in 2.5 million recipients or close contacts develop paralysis in very rare situations, especially in previously unvaccinated adults.
Pneumococcus
Less than 1 in 20 have pain or local reactions.
Rubella
About 1 in 10 have discomfort, local inflammation, or fever. About 1 in 20 have swollen glands, stiff neck, or joint pains. About 1 in 100 have a rash, which is non infectious. Thrombocytopenia (bruising or bleeding) occurs after a first dose of MMR at a rate of 1 in 30 500.
Tetanus
As for DTPa vaccine (see diphtheria).
Meningococcal C
The vaccines are very safe however side effects can occur. The most common are pain and redness at the injection site, irritability, headache and fever. Serious side effects are very rare. You should discuss details with your immunisation provider before vaccination.
(Source: Brisbane North Division of General Practice)
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