Blog
- Contraindications and precautions of the MMR vaccine
Aug 25, 2011
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, all infants 12 months of age or older and susceptible adults who do not have documented evidence of measles immunity, such as a blood test showing the presence of measles antibody or proof of receiving 2 doses of measles vaccine, are recommended to receive the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)vaccine. The National Network for Immunization Information website states, “Immunity against measles is particularly important for adults at...Read More - Contradictions and precautions of the DTaP
Aug 24, 2011
Although literature found online states, “All people need protection against these three diseases—diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Routine booster doses are also needed throughout life.” This is not necessarily true. There are some people that DTaP/Tdap, vaccine is contraindicated, meaning absolutely inadvisable and then there are some that should proceed with caution. According to the Immunization Action Coalition, DTaP is inadvisable if the patient has a history of a serious reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous...Read More - Three common vaccine related nerve conditions
Aug 24, 2011
There are 3 common nerve conditions that have been linked to vaccinations. They are Guillain-Barre syndrome, also known as GBS, Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, known as CIDP, and Brachial Neuritis. For this article, let’s look at what each condition entails. Guillain-Barre syndrome is a serious disorder that occurs when the body’s defense (immune) system mistakenly attacks part of the nervous system. This leads to nerve inflammation that causes muscle weakness. It is an autoimmune disorder...Read More - Contraindications vs. precautions, what’s the difference?
Aug 24, 2011
What is a contraindication? What is a precaution? When it comes to vaccine and drug labels there are a lot of confusing words thrown around. Let’s look at what is a contraindication when it comes to vaccines and then what’s the difference between contraindications and precautions. Contraindication A contraindication is any condition or circumstance where the use of a specific treatment, drug, or vaccine is not advised because it could harm the person. There are...Read More - Guillain-Barré syndrome a result of the 1976 swine flu panic
Aug 17, 2011
The swine flu brush of 1976 holds crucial lessons for the government and health officials. The panic in 1976 was partly because of the belief — now known to be erroneous — that the 1918-19 flu pandemic, which killed half a million Americans and as many as 50 million worldwide, was caused by a virus with swine components. Recent research suggests instead that it was avian flu, but that seems unlikely to assuage the current...Read More - Vaccine related nerve damage called ADEM
Aug 16, 2011
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a nonvasculitic inflammatory demyelinating condition that bears a striking clinical and pathological resemblance to multiple sclerosis (MS). It is characterized by a brief but intense attack of inflammation in the brain and spinal cord that damages myelin – the protective covering of nerve fibers. It often follows viral infection, or less often, vaccination for measles, mumps, or rubella. The symptoms of ADEM come on quickly, beginning with encephalitis-like symptoms such...Read More - Signs and symptoms of adverse reactions to Meningococcal vaccine
Aug 6, 2011
Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness. It is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2 through 18 years old in the United States. Meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningococcal disease also causes blood infections. About 1,000 – 2,600 people get meningococcal disease each year in the U.S. Even when they are treated with antibiotics, 10-15% of these people die. Of those who survive, another...Read More - Additives used in vaccines
Jul 12, 2011
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of doses of vaccines are administered to children in this country each year. Ensuring that those vaccines are potent, sterile and safe requires the addition of minute amounts of chemical additives. Chemicals are added to vaccines to inactivate a virus or bacteria and stabilize the vaccine, helping to preserve the vaccine and prevent it from losing its potency over time. The amount of chemical...Read More - New TB vaccine looks promising, if a timing issue can be worked out
Jun 30, 2011
In recent news, “A new vaccine designed to fight tuberculosis is less effective when given alongside shots for other diseases, a study has found, suggesting child immunization programs in developing countries may need a rethink,” states one article. The vaccine in question is a tuberculosis vaccine called MVA85A. New data from clinical trials of the vaccine in babies in Gambia showed it was safe, but the immune response it prompted was lower in babies who...Read More - Difference Between Immunization And Vaccination
Jun 29, 2011
Most people do not realize that when you receive a shot or a vaccine it does not mean you are immunized. Many people believe that once you are vaccinated you are completely protected. That belief is wrong. The use of the word “immunization” instead of “vaccination” is everywhere. Most importantly, news outlets tell the public that immunization is the same as vaccination. However, there is a large difference between the two. Vaccines contain a dead or live weakened...Read More