For many years vaccinations have helped prevent numerous diseases and deaths of children. These pediatric vaccines, usually given as shots or by mouth, were appreciated and welcomed by many parents. A concern has been, however, on the possible harmful effects that these vaccines may have on children.
Thimerosal
An important issue over the last several years has been the administration of pediatric vaccines that have contained the preservative thimerosal, and its possible connection to autism in children. Thimerosal is a mercury-containing preservative that has been used in vaccines since the 1930s and has prevented bacterial contamination of the vaccine, both in the production of the vaccine and in the administration of it in multidose vials.
Many rigorous studies have been conducted by the Federal Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the possible relationship between thimerosal and autism. According to studies done by these agencies, there is no connection between thimerosal and autism. Also, mayoclinic.com denies that there is a link between autism and children receiving vaccines. As a precautionary measure, however, pediatric vaccines no longer contain thimerosal, and are available in single-dose packages, avoiding the need for this preservative. According to the book "Vaccines," Mike Cronin explains that immunizations have not contained thimerosal since 2002. One exception is the flu vaccine; however, thimerosal-free flu vaccines can be requested.
Pertussis
The DTP -- diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis -- vaccine, which has been effective for protection against these diseases, has also been associated with serious side effects, such as seizures and fever greater than 105 degrees. These dangerous side effects were found to stem from the pertussis part of the vaccine. According to the CDC, changes have been made to make the vaccine safer. One change has been to replace pertussis with a more purified form called acellular pertussis. Consequently, the vaccine is now called the DTaP, and, according to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, this change is linked to a significantly lower risk of dangerous side effects in children.
Polio
Before the year 2000, the oral polio vaccine was given to children to prevent the crippling and sometimes fatal disease. The vaccine, however, was linked to giving polio to some children who received the vaccine, as well others taking care of the newly vaccinated children. Fortunately, the IPV, or inactivated polio vaccine, has been used to replace the former form of immunization. According to vaccineinformation.org, this inactive form of the virus has prevented many of the serious side effects from occurring.
Considerations
Most side effects of pediatric vaccines are mild and transient. Redness and swelling at the injection site and a low-grade fever are a few of the common side effects. A physician should be consulted before a child receives a vaccine. Also, an allergy to eggs or a previous allergic response to a vaccine should be reported, and the child should not have a fever when receiving a vaccine.
References
- "Vaccines"; Current Controversies series, Greenhaven Press, Mike Cronin (chapter author) ; 2009
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Vaccine Safety; Thimerosal
- Food and Drug Administration: Questions about Vaccines
- Mayoclinic: Do Vaccines Cause Autism?
- Immunization Action Coalition: Pertussis
