Vaccine Allergy

Signs and Symptoms of Vaccine Allergy

Adverse reactions caused by vaccine allergy can be either immediate or late and can be local.

Immediate Reactions

Immediate allergic reactions to vaccines are usually rare. Adverse reactions generally start within minutes after the administration of vaccination.

The main symptoms include:

• Skin manifestations like urticaria, swelling, itching, etc.
• Respiratory manifestations like cough, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, etc.
• Reduction in blood pressure
• General weakness
• Loss of consciousness. 

Mostly, testing of allergies can confirm the vaccine allergy. In general, most patients allergic to one vaccine can be given other vaccinations without problems.

Late Reactions

When symptoms appear some hours or days after receiving the vaccination, it is improbable to be a true vaccine allergy.

Local Reactions

Occasionally vaccines can result in local reactions that arise in a few hours after the administration or even the next day. The site of administration can become red, inflamed, and painful. The reaction can last several days. These do not typically represent an acute allergic reaction. Vaccines with a booster like DT (diphtheria, tetanus) are more often allied with such reactions.