Vaccination precautions

There are two situations where vaccines should not be used that apply to ALL vaccines. These are when there has been:

• anaphylaxis following a previous dose of the relevant vaccine
• anaphylaxis following exposure to any component of the relevant vaccine.  
   

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is the most severe type of allergic reaction. Symptoms occur suddenly – usually within 15 minutes of vaccination, are potentially life threatening and require immediate treatment with adrenaline. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include: 

• difficult or noisy breathing
• swelling of the tongue
• swelling or tightness in the throat
• wheezing or a persistent cough
• difficulty talking or a hoarse voice
• persistent dizziness or collapse
• paleness and floppiness (in young children).
   

Diagnosing anaphylaxis

It is important that your doctor confirms the diagnosis of anaphylaxis to ensure you receive the vaccines that are safe for you. 

If the diagnosis is unclear, you can get an assessment from a specialist immunisation service or an allergy/immunology specialist.
 

People who should take extra care

There are two other situations where vaccines should not be used that apply to live vaccines: 

• those whose immune systems do not work properly due to a disease or a medication/treatment
• women who are pregnant. Also, women who are given a live vaccine should wait for 28 days to try and fall pregnant.

If you fit into one of the categories above, you should check with your doctor if the vaccine you are having is safe for you.
 

Pre-vaccination screening

To make sure the right vaccine is given to the right person and to minimise the risk of serious adverse events following immunisation, a pre-vaccination screening checklist should be completed for all patients before vaccination.