How common are allergic reactions to vaccines?

Afraid of an allergic reaction to vaccines? It’s a fairly common concern, however, the chances are one in a million. A vaccine allergy is an extremely rare occurrence. When one does occur though, it can be very serious, even life-threatening.

A study, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, determined that the odds a vaccine will trigger a serious or potentially fatal allergic reaction is very slim. In fact, it’s about a one in a million chance – or 1.31 million to be exact. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, researchers from CDC reviewed roughly 25 million vaccines administered between the years 2009 and 2011 and found that just 33 people had a serious or potentially life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.

Common reactions to vaccines, such as fever, pain, swelling, or redness (or mild rash) at the site of the injection, typically develop later and are not usually serious. However, symptoms, such as problems breathing, weakness, dizziness, wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea, pale skin, or low blood pressure, can be indicative of a severe vaccine allergy. These symptoms typically come on quickly, within a few minutes or a few hours after the vaccination, and are signs of anaphylaxis – a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

Fortunately, the chances of someone experiencing a serious potentially life-threatening vaccine allergy are extremely low. But, should you or someone you know experience such an allergy, our team of attorneys are here to help.

View the full study here: https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(15)01160-4/abstract