Common side effects of the vaccine may include fever and febrile convulsions, with mild reactions being frequent but serious ones being rare.
Reporting Side Effects
If you experience any side effects, please report them to The Danish Medicines Agency, as they collect and manage reports of adverse reactions to inform pharmaceutical companies and authorities. For permanent damages, report to the Danish National Board of Industrial Injuries.
It is important to report any side effects you may experience while taking medication to ensure the safety of others. By reporting side effects, you are contributing to the ongoing monitoring of the safety and effectiveness of medications in the market. Your report can help identify unknown side effects and improve patient safety.
Reporting side effects is a crucial part of pharmacovigilance, which aims to monitor and evaluate the safety of medications. Your report can make a difference in improving the overall quality of healthcare and protecting public health.
Common Side Effects
Local Reactions
It is normal to have redness, swelling, and fever at the injection site, which typically last around 48 hours and are not harmful.
Concurrent Vaccination
Expect adverse events like fever, febrile convulsions, drowsiness, irritability, and local reactions after the vaccination. Children may experience fever, common cold, or skin rash afterward, but these are not contagious.
Live Virus Vaccines
If a child shows signs of allergy or severe reactions to vaccine components, it should be reported. In cases of acute illness with fever, vaccination should be postponed.
Additional Information
It is important to monitor the child after vaccination for any unusual symptoms or reactions. If there are any concerns, contact a healthcare provider immediately. It is also recommended to keep track of the child’s vaccination schedule and follow up with any necessary booster shots to ensure continued immunity.
More Information on Side Effects
For more detailed information, refer to the package leaflets or visit the Danish SSI website. It is important to be informed about the possible side effects of vaccination.
Explore the common side effects in babies and children up to 5 years old after vaccination. Some common side effects may include redness or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, or irritability. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. However, if you are concerned about any side effects, it is best to consult your GP or Health Visitor for further guidance.
Comforting Your Baby
If your baby is upset after vaccination, comfort them by cuddling, offering cool drinks, and taking them for a walk.
MMR Vaccination
The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is a combined vaccine that provides protection against three contagious viral diseases. Measles, mumps, and rubella are all highly infectious and can lead to serious complications, especially in young children. It is recommended that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose given at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age.
After receiving the MMR vaccine, some individuals may experience mild reactions such as fever, rash, or soreness at the injection site. These reactions usually occur within a week of vaccination and are generally short-lived. Serious side effects from the MMR vaccine are rare, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
Report Side Effects
To report suspected side effects, you can use the Yellow Card Scheme online or contact them by phone. Public Health Scotland provides reliable vaccine safety information.
If you experience any side effects after receiving a vaccine, it is important to report them using the Yellow Card Scheme. This helps regulators monitor the safety of vaccines and take action if necessary. You can also contact Public Health Scotland for more information on vaccine safety.
More Information on Vaccines
Vaccines, like any medication, can have side effects ranging from mild reactions to serious events like seizures or allergic reactions. These adverse events are monitored by the FDA and CDC to address any vaccine-related issues.
Vaccine Comparison
Comparison of vaccines, such as Hib with fewer side effects compared to smallpox with a higher potential for adverse effects, can be informative.
Hib Vaccine Side Effects
- Redness, warmth, or swelling at the injection site
- Fever exceeding 101°F
No severe side effects have been linked to the Hib vaccine.
Smallpox (Vaccinia) Vaccine Side Effects
Mild to Moderate Problems:
- Mild rash, swelling of lymph nodes
- Fever over 100°F
Moderate to Severe Problems:
- Eye infection, rash, encephalitis, severe infections, death
A small percentage of vaccinated individuals experience life-threatening reactions to the smallpox vaccine.
Vaccine Information Statement
Health care providers issue a Vaccine Information Statement detailing common and rare side effects. For further information, download VIS handouts from the CDC website. Package inserts from the vaccine manufacturer contain details of adverse events and rates from pre-market testing.
How Are Adverse Events Monitored?
VAERS
Established in 1990 by the CDC and FDA, VAERS is a reporting system for potential adverse events associated with vaccines. Approximately 30,000 events are reported annually, with 10% to 15% classified as serious medical events.
VAERS is a voluntary system where anyone suspecting an association between a vaccination and an adverse event can report it. The CDC investigates these events to determine causality.
The CDC utilizes VAERS data to identify new adverse events, monitor increases in known events, evaluate patient risk factors, and assess vaccine safety. Keep in mind that not all reported adverse events are vaccine-related and some are underreported.
VAERS has identified rare adverse events linked to various vaccines.
Vaccine Safety Datalink
Initiated in 1990 by the CDC, the VSD comprises linked databases with vaccination data from large medical groups. The Rapid Cycle Analysis, launched in 2005, monitors real-time data to compare adverse event rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated populations.
Vaccine Injury Compensation
COVID-19 vaccines: Refer to the COVID-19 vaccination section for information on these vaccines. Immunization protects against infectious diseases, with side effects affecting roughly one to ten out of every 100 individuals depending on the vaccine.
Common side effects after immunisation
Frequent side effects of vaccines include fever, redness, swelling, tenderness, unsettlement, sleepiness, and a small lump at the injection site.
Managing common side effects
To manage vaccine side effects, consider drinking fluids, avoiding overdressing, using a cold wet cloth, and taking paracetamol if necessary. It is also recommended to get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Concerns about immunisation side effects
In case of unexpected, severe, or persistent reactions, seek medical advice. For significant adverse events following immunizations, SAEFVIC in Victoria serves as the central reporting service.
Uncommon or rare immunisation side effects
Serious reactions post-immunization are uncommon, examples being anaphylaxis, febrile seizures, and bowel blockage. Seek immediate medical attention for severe or persistent reactions.
Other rare side effects of immunization may include Guillain-Barre syndrome, encephalitis, or myocarditis. These side effects are extremely rare but should be reported to healthcare providers if they occur.
It is important to note that the benefits of immunization far outweigh the risks of these rare side effects. Vaccines are a crucial tool in preventing serious diseases and protecting public health.
Safety testing and re-testing of immunisations
Millions receive immunizations annually without experiencing side effects. Routine monitoring ensures the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
The bottom line
Vaccines are a crucial tool in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. They work by stimulating the immune system to produce an immune response without causing the disease itself. This helps protect individuals from becoming sick if they are exposed to the actual virus or bacteria.
It is important to note that vaccines undergo rigorous testing before they are approved for use. This testing ensures that vaccines are safe and effective in preventing the targeted disease. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, as vaccines have been instrumental in reducing and eradicating deadly diseases such as polio, measles, and smallpox.
Choosing not to vaccinate not only puts individuals at risk of contracting serious diseases, but it also poses a threat to the community as a whole. When vaccination rates decrease, herd immunity is compromised, making it easier for diseases to spread and potentially causing outbreaks.
It is important to listen to reputable sources such as healthcare professionals and public health authorities when making decisions about vaccination. By choosing to vaccinate, you are not only protecting yourself, but also helping to protect those who are unable to receive vaccines due to medical reasons.
Do you have all the information you need?
To learn more about immunization, consult your GP or healthcare provider. Make an informed decision about vaccination after discussing the risks and benefits.
It is important to stay informed about the latest updates on vaccines and immunization schedules. Stay connected with reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO) for accurate information.
Remember to keep track of your immunization records and follow up with any necessary booster shots or updates recommended by your healthcare provider.
Where can I get more information about immunisation?
Enhance your knowledge on immunization by speaking with your healthcare provider, starting with your GP or clinic nurse. For further details on immunization, check the Australian Government’s immunization information External Link.
The MMR vaccine provides prolonged protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.
What the MMR vaccine is for
The MMR vaccine shields against these three infections, which can lead to severe complications like meningitis, blindness, and hearing loss. Measles and rubella can be especially hazardous during pregnancy, potentially causing premature birth, miscarriage, or other complications for the baby.
Receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine ensures lasting immunity, safeguarding vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated, such as unborn babies and those with compromised immune systems.
Who should have the MMR vaccine
Babies and young children
Babies and young children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine as part of the NHS schedule at 1 year and 3 years 4 months. Additional doses may be provided earlier to those at risk due to travel, contact with a measles case, or an outbreak.
Older children and adults
The MMR vaccine is suitable for individuals of any age. Consult a GP if you missed it as a child, received only one dose, or are unsure of your vaccination status, particularly if you fall into certain categories like healthcare workers or those born between 1970 and 1990. Your GP can verify your vaccination history if needed.
If you were born before 1970 and never vaccinated against measles, mumps, or rubella, inquire about the MMR vaccine. Concerned about receiving the MMR vaccine during Ramadan? Many Muslim scholars approve it due to the injection method during fasting. Contact your GP for guidance on MMR vaccine timing.
Polio and MMR vaccinations in London
Starting from May 2023 in London, kids aged 1 to 11 not up to date with routine vaccinations are offered polio and MMR vaccines through various channels.
Who cannot have the MMR vaccine
While the majority are eligible for the MMR vaccine, exceptions exist for pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, or previous allergic reactions to vaccine components.
Getting vaccinated if you’re unwell
If unwell without a high temperature, you can still receive the MMR vaccine. However, if feeling extremely unwell or feverish, wait until recovery before getting vaccinated.
MMR vaccine ingredients
The MMR vaccine, which stands for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, is a combination vaccine that helps protect against these three diseases. In the UK, there are two types of MMR vaccines available for use. It is important to review the ingredient details provided in the patient leaflets for each vaccine in order to select the one that is most suitable for you.
How to get the MMR vaccine
GP surgeries typically inform about MMR vaccines for children through various channels. Older children may access vaccines at schools or workplace health services.
Non-urgent advice: Speak to your GP surgery if:
- Contact your GP to schedule an appointment if:
If you need to reschedule a vaccination appointment, your GP can assist with that as well.
Advice for parents
How the MMR vaccine is given
The MMR vaccine requires two doses for full protection, administered in the upper arm or thigh. Adults should receive two doses at least a month apart.
Having the MMR vaccine at the same time as other vaccines
The MMR vaccine can be taken alongside most vaccines except yellow fever. Allow a 4-week interval between the MMR and yellow fever vaccines. The chickenpox vaccine can be given on the same day as MMR or 4 weeks apart.
Side effects of the MMR vaccine
Although the MMR vaccine can cause side effects, severe reactions are rare. Common effects like rash or swollen glands typically resolve within a few days. Severe allergic reactions are promptly addressed by trained professionals.
Other common side effects of the MMR vaccine may include mild fever, headaches, and temporary joint pain. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own.
The MMR vaccine is not linked to autism
Research has found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate any potential connection, and the overwhelming consensus is that there is no causal relationship between the MMR vaccine and autism.
How well the MMR vaccine works
Immunity from the MMR vaccine begins within 2 weeks of administration, offering high protection rates against measles and rubella, and good protection against mumps. Any mumps cases post-vaccination are usually mild.