Vaccines Can Cause Adverse Reactions

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kimberly Spencer
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AETCNS) --  Although vaccines are usually safe, some adverse reactions do happen. That's why the Department of Defense Vaccine Healthcare Center network has several ongoing research projects concerning adverse events surrounding such vaccinations as smallpox and anthrax and reminds Air Force beneficiaries of the many services the network offers.

"The VHC network provides consultation, education and adverse event reporting services," said Army Col. (Dr.) Renata Engler, the DOD Vaccine Healthcare Center director for the regional office located here. The primary focus of the network is to enhance vaccine safety, efficacy and acceptability.

"Vaccines are the most important medical intervention of the last century," said Dr. David Hrncir, medical director. "Next to sanitation and clean drinking water, vaccines are the reason our country is safe from many infectious diseases."

However, some adverse reactions do happen. When they do, military beneficiaries need to contact their healthcare physician or regional VHC office.

"Vaccines may cause side effects such as itching, burning, redness or puffiness at the site of the injection," said Tom Rampy, a VHC health educator here. "Other side effects may include weakness, fever, headache, joint pain or body aches. These effects tend to go away quickly and can usually be treated with over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol. We get involved when there are more serious adverse events and longer lasting side effects that may contribute to disability, loss of work or hospitalization."

The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention created a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System as a method of monitoring adverse events. Anyone suspecting or experiencing a serious problem after a vaccination can complete a report.

"If a patient is unsure about making a report, they should consult their healthcare provider," Rampy said.

Medical exemptions can be given by healthcare providers to individuals who have experienced adverse events after vaccines, or when a serious condition is suspected as attributed to a vaccine. The exemption stays in the medical records and prevents against receiving that vaccine again unless an individual is exposed to that particular disease and the vaccine is the only way to provide effective treatment.

For information, or to participate in research programs, call the Walter Reed Army Medical Center point of contact at 202-782-8429/9472/6848 (DSN 662). All clinical findings will be part of a larger surveillance system that ensures the safety and efficacy of vaccines.

The VHC offers outreach and education on vaccines and vaccine-related adverse events for both healthcare providers and service members at www.vhcinfo.org. Healthcare providers and all DOD beneficiaries are invited to use the one-access-to-care point via the secure Web site at https://askvhc.wramc.amedd.army.mil, the confidential DOD Clinical Call Center at 1-866-210-6469, or by visiting any of the four regional sites.

The centers are located at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.; Lackland Air Force Base; Fort Bragg, N.C.; and Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, Va.