NOTE: This handout provides factual information about diseases and associated vaccines but does not provide recommendations. Decisions regarding vaccinations should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals based on individual health needs.
I am Dr. Gator, a Pediatrician based in Los Angeles, California.
My specialization lies in Integrative and Natural Medicine, which often prompts questions about vaccines from concerned parents like you.
If you’ve chosen to read this, you’re likely in the process of making informed decisions about vaccines for your child.
Let me clarify from the outset: this guide does not attempt to provide medical advice or recommendations. Instead, it offers a concise compilation of data and statistics pertaining to vaccines listed under the CDC’s recommended schedule.
While the American Academy of Pediatrics advises following the CDC guidelines, my aim here isn’t to propose an alternate schedule or dictate any specific course of action. Such decisions should always arise from in-depth discussions with your healthcare team.
This guide endeavors to present a balanced overview of vaccine-related data as we understand it today. While you might not concur with every point raised, it’s important to note that this isn’t an exercise in persuasion. Instead, it’s a neutral presentation of data sourced from medical establishments like the CDC, AAP, and other related associations.
For those seeking to avoid vaccines, or those wanting information that hasn’t been researched or validated, or an alternate vaccine schedule, this guide might not be the right fit. However, if you’re in pursuit of a balanced approach to understanding vaccine facts and data, you’re in the right place. Further, this is a guide that presents data as we know it today. This is not meant to dismiss any concerns you might have that have been discussed online, on podcasts, or by alternative health professionals. I have heard it all and understand your concerns and I have heard your concerns many, many times. This is not the place to dive into all of those concerns. That is something that needs to be discussed at a visit with a healthcare provider. This is a place where I provide the facts, as I can find them, from the major health websites.
I genuinely empathize with any frustrations you might feel due to the limitations of this guide. Navigating the vaccine landscape can be challenging. As you delve into this topic and others, I urge you to consult multiple trusted resources and engage in dialogues with your healthcare team, ensuring the best possible health decisions for your family.
Wishing your family robust health,
Dr. Gator
Heck, if you want to write me angry emails, go for it. But I want to pre-ask you to be kind and respectful.
Please approach this guide with an open mind and respect.
If you feel compelled to send me feedback, I kindly request that it be constructive and courteous.
I recognize the sensitivity of this topic.
This handout doesn’t reflect my personal beliefs or dictate any course of action. It’s simply an effort to provide a condensed summary of information on vaccines that I’ve often been asked about. Instead of directing families to sift through various extensive websites of our major health organizations, I’ve tried to present the key data points in an accessible format.
It’s purely informational and doesn’t advocate a particular stance.
The guide covers mainstream data on the primary questions posed by parents.
If your perspective or understanding differs, I respect that and assure you I’ve had a wide range of discussions on this matter and heard just about every opinion on this topic, positive and negative.
I hope this handout aids your exploration of the subject. It’s not designed to sway opinions or be an exhaustive treatise on the topic.
NOTE: This handout provides factual information about diseases and associated vaccines but does not provide recommendations. Decisions regarding vaccinations should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals based on individual health needs.
There are two vaccines offered shortly after birth, vitamin K (which is more of a vitamin than a vaccine) and Hepatitis B.
NOTE:
NEWBORNS DON’T HAVE A LOT OF
VITAMIN K: In adults, gut bacteria produce a portion of the body’s vitamin K. Newborns don’t have these bacteria in their intestines at birth, which means they don’t produce their own vitamin K for the first few days of life.
PREVENTION OF VITAMIN K DEFICIENCY
BLEEDING (VKDB): Newborns are typically born with low levels of vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting. Newborn infants are at risk for Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB), which can occur internally, including in the brain, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.
LOW VITAMIN K FROM BREAST MILK:
While vitamin K is present in breast milk, its concentration is lower than what’s found in infant formula. However, even with formula feeding, infants might still not get sufficient vitamin K to prevent VKDB.
While the risks associated with the vitamin K injection are minimal, the potential complications from VKDB (like intracranial hemorrhage) can be severe. As a result, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other major health organizations worldwide recommend the administration of the vitamin K injection shortly after birth.
COMMON MINOR SIDE EFFECTS: As with any injection, there can be pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. These are typically mild and resolve on their own.
RARE ALLERGIC REACTION: There’s a small risk of an allergic reaction to any medication, including the vitamin K injection. Signs can include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. This reaction is extremely rare.
POTENTIAL LINK WITH CHILDHOOD
LEUKEMIA: Some older studies in the past raised concerns about a potential link between the vitamin K shot and childhood leukemia. However, subsequent, more extensive research and reviews by organizations like the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics have found no association between the vitamin K shot and childhood cancer.
EARLY VKDB (within the first 24 hours after birth): This form of bleeding is rare and occurs primarily in infants whose mothers used drugs that inhibit vitamin K.
It occurs in 1 in every 60 to 1 in every 250 newborns exposed to such medications.
CLASSIC VKDB (days 2 to 7): This occurs in between 1 in 300 to 1 in 14,000 infants who do not receive vitamin K at birth.
LATE VKDB (2 weeks to 6 months, often with intracranial hemorrhage): This is rarer but particularly severe. It affects between 1 in 14,000 to 1 in 25,000 infants who do not receive vitamin K at birth.
VKDB: After receiving the vitamin K injection at birth, the risk of VKDB drops significantly to a range from 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 250,000.
What about oral vitamin K? Is that an option?
LATE VKDB: The risk of late VKDB in infants who receive oral vitamin K varies depending on the dosing regimen and compliance. When three doses of 1 milligram of oral vitamin K are administered (at birth, a week later, and a month later), the incidence has been reported to be 1 in 4,200 to 1 in 13,000. If weekly dosing is used for the first three months, the incidence might be as low as 1 in 25,000.
However, it’s worth noting that oral vitamin K is not as effective as the injectable form in preventing late VKDB. Additionally, the oral form is not licensed for use in all countries, and not all products have been proven effective and oral is not recommended by any major health association.
It’s always essential for parents and guardians to discuss vitamin K prophylaxis options with their pediatricians or healthcare providers to ensure the best decision for their child.
1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Prevention of vitamin K deficiency bleeding in newborns. Pediatrics. 1993;91(5):1001-1003.
2. World Health Organization. Recommendations for the newborn. Vitamin K administration to newborns. Available at: https://www.who.int/elena/ titles/vitamink_newborns/en/
3. Puckett RM, Offringa M. Prophylactic vitamin K for vitamin K deficiency bleeding in neonates. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000;(4):CD002776.
NOTE: This handout provides factual information about diseases and associated vaccines but does not provide recommendations. Decisions regarding vaccinations should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals based on individual health needs.
MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION: One of the most common ways infants get hepatitis B is from their mother during childbirth. Even mothers who didn’t know they were infected with hepatitis B can pass the virus to their newborn. Administering the vaccine soon after birth, especially within the first 24 hours, is highly effective in preventing transmission from an infected mother to her baby.
EARLY CHILDHOOD TRANSMISSION:
Children can get hepatitis B through common childhood activities and behaviors, such as sharing toothbrushes, or by being bitten by an infected person. Children infected with hepatitis B are more likely to develop chronic infections, which can lead to severe health complications in adulthood.
CHRONIC COMPLICATIONS: Chronic hepatitis B infection, especially when acquired at a young age, can lead to serious health issues later in life, including cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure.
RISK OF INFECTION: About 1,000 U.S. infants are infected with hepatitis B each year through perinatal transmission. This can happen when a mother unknowingly carries the hepatitis B virus and passes it to her baby at birth.
CHRONIC INFECTION: 90% of infants infected at birth will develop chronic hepatitis B infection. In comparison, 30-50% of children infected between the ages of 1 and 5 years will become chronically infected.
MORTALITY: About 25% of those who become chronically infected during childhood and 15% of those who become chronically infected after childhood die prematurely from cirrhosis or liver cancer. An estimated 2,000-4,000 people die each year in the U.S. from liver disease related to hepatitis B.
NOTE: This handout provides factual information about diseases and associated vaccines but does not provide recommendations. Decisions regarding vaccinations should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals based on individual health needs.
If I’ve been tested for Hepatitis B, should I still vaccinate my child against it?
It’s reassuring to know that many mothers undergo testing for hepatitis B, which provides clarity on the potential risk of transmission to their newborns. Even if you’ve been tested and received a negative result, major health organizations still advise administering the vaccine to your child at birth.
While tests are generally accurate, there’s a slight possibility of inaccuracies or the infant contracting hepatitis B through other means. If your test result is negative, the transmission risk is significantly reduced. However, for a comprehensive understanding of your specific risk profile, it’s best to consult with your physician.
Given the potential significant health risks associated with hepatitis B infection acquired at a young age, the vaccine is recommended by all health bodies regardless of testing status. If you test negative for hepatitis B, you will need to decide with your providers if you will want the birth team to administer this in the hospital or after the home birth.
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hepatitis B FAQs for the Public. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/bfaq.htm.
2. CDC. Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. Hamborsky J, Kroger A, Wolfe S, eds. 13th ed. Washington D.C. Public Health Foundation, 2015.
3. World Health Organization (WHO). Hepatitis B. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-b.
NOTE: This handout provides factual information about diseases and associated vaccines but does not provide recommendations. Decisions regarding vaccinations should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals based on individual health needs.
*Please check CDC website for must current schedule
Birth:
HEPATITIS B (HepB) - 1st dose
1-2 Months:
HEPATITIS B (HepB) - 2nd dose
2 Months:
DIPHTHERIA, TETANUS, & ACELLULAR
PERTUSSIS (DTaP) - 1st dose
HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE TYPE B (Hib)1st dose
POLIO (IPV) - 1st dose
PNEUMOCOCCAL (PCV13) - 1st dose
ROTAVIRUS (RV) - 1st dose
4 Months:
DTAP - 2nd dose
HIB - 2nd dose
IPV - 2nd dose
PCV13 - 2nd dose
RV - 2nd dose
6 Months:
DTAP - 3rd dose
HIB - 3rd dose (can be at 6 or 12-15 months depending on the vaccine)
PCV13 - 3rd dose
RV - 3rd dose (for certain vaccine types)
HEPB - 3rd dose (between 6 and 18 months)
INFLUENZA (Flu) – yearly, seasonally appropriate vaccine
12-15 Months:
HIB - 4th dose (or at 6 months depending on the vaccine)
MEASLES, MUMPS, & RUBELLA (MMR) - 1st dose
VARICELLA (Chickenpox) - 1st dose
HEPATITIS A (HepA) - 1st of 2 doses, given 6 months apart
15-18 Months:
DTAP - 4th dose
4-6 Years:
DTAP - 5th dose
IPV - 4th dose
MMR - 2nd dose
VARICELLA - 2nd dose
11-12 Years:
TETANUS, DIPHTHERIA, & ACELLULAR
PERTUSSIS (Tdap) - booster dose
HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) - 2 doses
6-12 months apart (total doses can vary based on age of initial vaccination)
MENINGOCOCCAL (MenACWY) - 1st dose
16 Years:
MENINGOCOCCAL (MenACWY) - 2nd dose
16-18 Years: (based on risk factors)
MENINGOCOCCAL B (MenB) - series of 2 or 3 doses, depending on the vaccine
It’s important to note that some vaccines might be given as a part of combination vaccines (where several vaccines are combined into a single shot).
Additionally, catch-up vaccination schedules exist for children who may have missed or delayed any vaccines.
For the most up-to-date schedule and detailed information, always refer to the CDC’s official website or consult a healthcare provider.
NOTE: This handout provides factual information about diseases and associated vaccines but does not provide recommendations. Decisions regarding vaccinations should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals based on individual health needs.
VACCINE: MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine
ABOUT THE DISEASE: Measles is a highly contagious viral illness. It can lead to complications like ear infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis.
STATISTICS: Before vaccination was available, nearly 3-4 million people got measles each year in the U.S. Measles resulted in 48,000 hospitalizations, 1,000 cases of encephalitis, and 500 deaths annually.
CURRENT RISKS: With current vaccination rates, measles outbreaks have been significantly reduced but can still occur in communities with low vaccination coverage.
Source: CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
VACCINE: DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) vaccine
ABOUT THE DISEASE: Pertussis is a bacterial illness causing severe coughing spells which can interfere with breathing.
STATISTICS: Before the vaccine, around 200,000 children got sick each year in the U.S, with 9,000 pertussis-related deaths.
CURRENT RISKS: Pertussis can still circulate in populations, but the risks are much lower due to immunization.
Source: CDC
VACCINE: IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine)
ABOUT THE DISEASE: Polio is a viral illness that can cause paralysis and death.
STATISTICS: In the 1950s, polio paralyzed more than 15,000 people every year in the U.S.
CURRENT RISKS: Polio has been eliminated from the U.S. but still exists in some countries.
Source: WHO (World Health Organization)
Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
VACCINE: Hib vaccine
ABOUT THE DISEASE: Hib can cause meningitis, pneumonia, and sepsis.
STATISTICS: Before the vaccine, Hib was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis among children under 5 in the U.S.
CURRENT RISKS: Cases have dropped by 99% since the introduction of the vaccine.
Source: CDC
VACCINE: HepB vaccine
ABOUT THE DISEASE: Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver.
STATISTICS: Worldwide, more than 780,000 people die each year from complications of hepatitis B.
CURRENT RISKS: Due to routine newborn HepB vaccination, incidence in younger populations has significantly declined in the U.S.
Source: WHO
NOTE: This handout provides factual information about diseases and associated vaccines but does not provide recommendations. Decisions regarding vaccinations should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals based on individual health needs.
Rotavirus
VACCINE: Rotavirus vaccine
ABOUT THE DISEASE: Rotavirus causes severe diarrhea in infants and young children.
STATISTICS: Before the vaccine, rotavirus caused 20-60 deaths annually in the U.S.
CURRENT RISKS: Hospitalizations and emergency visits for rotavirus have declined dramatically with vaccination.
Source: CDC
VACCINE: DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) vaccine
ABOUT THE DISEASE: Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system and can lead to heart failure, paralysis, and death.
STATISTICS: Before vaccines, the U.S. saw up to 200,000 cases a year, with up to 15,000 deaths.
CURRENT RISKS: Rare in the U.S. due to widespread immunization but remains prevalent in some countries.
Source: CDC
Tetanus (Lockjaw)
VACCINE: DTaP vaccine; Tdap (booster for older children and adults)
ABOUT THE DISEASE: Tetanus is caused by a toxin-producing bacterium, leading to muscle stiffness and spasms.
STATISTICS: Before widespread immunization,
the U.S. reported 500-600 tetanus cases each year.
CURRENT RISKS: Each year, about 30 cases are reported, mostly among those unvaccinated.
Source: CDC
VACCINE: MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine
ABOUT THE DISEASE: Mumps is a viral disease characterized by swollen salivary glands.
STATISTICS: Before the vaccine, mumps affected 186,000 cases annually in the U.S.
CURRENT RISKS: Cases have decreased by over 99% due to vaccination.
Source: CDC
Rubella (German Measles)
VACCINE: MMR vaccine
ABOUT THE DISEASE: Rubella causes a rash and can be severe if contracted during pregnancy.
STATISTICS: Before vaccination, up to 4 million Americans got rubella yearly.
CURRENT RISKS: Rare in the U.S. but can still occur in unvaccinated populations.
Source: CDC
NOTE: This handout provides factual information about diseases and associated vaccines but does not provide recommendations. Decisions regarding vaccinations should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals based on individual health needs.
VACCINE: Varicella vaccine
ABOUT THE DISEASE: Chickenpox is a viral illness characterized by an itchy rash.
STATISTICS: Before the vaccine, about 4 million people got chickenpox annually in the U.S.
CURRENT RISKS: Cases have declined significantly, but outbreaks can still occur.
Source: CDC
Pneumococcal Disease
VACCINE: PCV13 or PCV15 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine)
ABOUT THE DISEASE: It can cause infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
STATISTICS: Before the vaccine, about 700 cases of meningitis and 200 deaths from invasive pneumococcal disease occurred annually among U.S. children under 5.
CURRENT RISKS: Cases in children have decreased by 88% since the introduction of the vaccine.
Source: CDC
Influenza (Flu)
VACCINE: Annual flu vaccine
ABOUT THE DISEASE: The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can lead to serious complications.
STATISTICS: Flu hospitalizes 20,000 children under the age of 5 annually in the U.S.
CURRENT RISKS: Varies yearly depending on flu strains and vaccination rates.
Source: CDC
Hepatitis A
VACCINE: Hep A vaccine
ABOUT THE DISEASE: Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus.
STATISTICS: Before the vaccine, the U.S. had about 30,000 cases annually.
CURRENT RISKS: Since the vaccine’s introduction, cases have declined by 95%.
Source: CDC
VACCINE: HPV vaccine
ABOUT THE DISEASE: HPV can lead to various cancers and genital warts.
STATISTICS: HPV causes about 33,700 cancers in men and women annually in the U.S.
CURRENT RISKS: With vaccination, there’s a significant decline in HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and genital warts.
Source: CDC
VACCINE: Meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MenACWY) and Serogroup B meningococcal vaccines (MenB)
ABOUT THE DISEASE: Meningococcal disease can lead to infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord and bloodstream.
STATISTICS: Before vaccination, about 1,000-1,200 people got infected each year in the U.S.
CURRENT RISKS: Cases have declined, especially in those aged 16-23, due to vaccination.
Source: CDC
NOTE: This handout provides factual information about diseases and associated vaccines but does not provide recommendations. Decisions regarding vaccinations should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals based on individual health needs.
What are some of the statistics from around the world as it related to vaccine preventable illness?
I’ll do my best to provide estimates based on the most recent data available:
Measles
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it was estimated that 207,500 people died from measles in 2019.
Source: WHO Influenza
The WHO estimates that annual influenza epidemics result in about 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths.
Source: WHO
Pneumococcal disease
The death toll for 2020 isn’t explicitly stated, but in the past, the WHO estimated over 1.6 million deaths annually from pneumococcal infections.
Source: WHO
Hepatitis B
This virus contributes to an estimated 887,000 deaths annually.
Source: WHO Tetanus
Exact figures for 2020 are not available, but tetanus causes tens of thousands of deaths each year globally.
Source: WHO Diphtheria
In 2018, the WHO reported 16,648 cases of diphtheria with a case fatality ratio of about 5.7%.
Source: WHO Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
The WHO estimated about 151,000 deaths from pertussis in 2018. The 2020 numbers aren’t available in my current data.
Source: WHO
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Annually, there are over 300,000 deaths from cervical cancer, which is primarily caused by HPV.
Source: WHO Polio
In 2020, 140 cases of wild poliovirus were reported globally, but exact death numbers for that year aren’t specified.
Source: WHO
What are some of the numbers in the USA?
Measles
In recent years before 2020, the U.S. had experienced a resurgence of measles cases. In 2019, there were 1,282 confirmed cases, but no measles-associated deaths were reported. For 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a significant drop in cases, but exact death data for that year isn’t available.
Source: CDC Measles Cases and Outbreaks
Influenza
The CDC estimated that during the 2019-2020 flu season, there were between 24,000 - 62,000 flu-related deaths in the U.S.
Source: CDC Flu Season 2019-2020
Hepatitis B
Chronic liver disease, often linked to hepatitis B, leads to many deaths each year in the U.S., but the precise number directly due to hepatitis B isn’t available for 2020.
Cases of tetanus in the U.S. are very rare, with typically about 30 reported cases per year and roughly 2-3 deaths.
Source: CDC Tetanus Surveillance
Diphtheria
This disease is extremely rare in the U.S., with zero to five cases reported annually over the past decade. There haven’t been any reported deaths from diphtheria in recent years.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
The number of reported pertussis cases has been increasing since the 1980s. In recent years, there have been between 1020 pertussis-related deaths annually, mostly among infants.
Source: CDC Pertussis Surveillance & Reporting
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV can lead to cervical cancer, among other types of cancer. In recent data, there were roughly 4,120 cervical cancer deaths in the U.S. annually.
Source: American Cancer Society
Polio
The U.S. has been polio-free since 1979. No deaths from polio have been reported since then.
Before the vaccine was introduced, rotavirus was responsible for more than 200,000 emergency room visits and up to 60 deaths in U.S. children younger than 5 years old each year. However, since the vaccine’s introduction, hospitalizations and ER visits have dropped significantly, and recent death statistics specific to the U.S. are not readily available.
Source: CDC Rotavirus
Pneumococcal disease (Streptococcus pneumoniae)
Before the introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in 2000, the U.S. saw more than 700 cases of meningitis, 13,000 blood infections, and 200 deaths in children under 5 due to pneumococcal disease each year. Postvaccination, these numbers have decreased significantly, and exact recent death statistics are not readily available.
Source: CDC Pneumococcal Disease
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Before the Hib vaccine, this disease was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis among U.S. children under 5, with about 20,000 children getting sick and around 1,000 dying every year. Post-vaccination, the disease has become rare in the U.S.
Source: CDC Hib
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Before the introduction of the varicella vaccine in 1995, there were approximately 100 to 150 deaths due to chickenpox in the U.S. each year. The number of cases and deaths has drastically decreased since the vaccine’s introduction. As of recent data, the death rate is now very low.
Source: CDC Chickenpox
Before the U.S. mumps vaccination program started in 1967, about 500,000 cases and 50 mumps-related deaths were reported each year. Post-vaccination, a more than 99% decrease in mumps cases in the U.S. has been noted.
Source: CDC Mumps
Before the vaccine was introduced in 1969, the U.S. experienced an epidemic with an estimated 12.5 million rubella cases. While rubella is generally a mild disease, it can cause serious birth defects if a pregnant woman contracts it. Since the vaccine’s introduction and a strong push to vaccinate in the early ‘70s, rubella and congenital rubella syndrome have become rare in the U.S.
Source: CDC Rubella
Before the vaccine was introduced in 1995, an average of 28,000 cases were reported each year in the U.S. Severe cases can lead to liver failure and death, though this is more common in adults over 50 and people with other liver diseases. The exact number of deaths specifically from hepatitis A in recent years is not readily available, but it’s considered rare.
Source: CDC Hepatitis A
Please understand that this data might not capture all the nuances. The exact numbers can vary year by year, and the data might be influenced by factors like healthcare accessibility, vaccination rates, and public health campaigns. Always refer to the CDC or other appropriate U.S. health agencies for the most accurate and up-to-date statistics.
NOTE: This handout provides factual information about diseases and associated vaccines but does not provide recommendations. Decisions regarding vaccinations should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals based on individual health needs.
Below are some of the more commonly discussed potential short-term risks associated with vaccines, with statistics from reputable sources:
Minor Side Effects
PAIN, SWELLING, OR REDNESS AT THE INJECTION SITE: Occurs frequently, resolving within a few days.
FEVER: Can occur after vaccination but is usually mild.
FATIGUE, HEADACHE, OR FEELING
UNWELL: These can occur but usually resolve within a day or two.
Source: Vaccine package inserts and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine side effects information.
Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)
Occurrence is extremely rare, estimated at about one in a million doses for many vaccines.
Source: CDC and Institute of Medicine (IOM) review.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
This is a rare disorder where the body’s immune system damages nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis.
There have been concerns about a link between GBS and the flu vaccine. Studies suggest that if there is a risk, it’s very small (about 1-2 additional GBS cases per million doses of flu vaccine).
Source: CDC.
Febrile Seizures
Some children under the age of 5 develop seizures caused by a fever. These can be frightening but are typically without lasting effects.
There’s a small increased risk of febrile seizures after some vaccines, including the MMR vaccine. The risk is estimated to be less than 1 febrile seizure for every 1,000 doses of MMR vaccine given.
Source: CDC.
Rotavirus Vaccine and Intussusception
Intussusception is a type of bowel blockage. There’s a small risk of this occurring after rotavirus vaccination, with an estimated 1-5 cases per 100,000 vaccinated infants.
Source: CDC.
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) and Vaccine-Associated Paralytic Polio (VAPP)
OPV has not been used in the US since 2000 because of the rare risk (about 1 case per 2.4 million first doses) of causing paralytic polio. The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) used now doesn’t have this risk.
Source: CDC. NOTE:
NOTE:
The potential long-term side effects of vaccines, as well as the broader challenge of assessing the long-term effects of any medical intervention, are important topics in public health.
Challenges in Assessing LongTerm Effects of Anything:
TEMPORAL GAP: There’s a time lag between the administration of an intervention and the emergence of potential long-term effects. This can make direct correlations challenging to establish.
MULTIPLE FACTORS: Over long durations, numerous environmental, genetic, lifestyle, and other factors can influence health outcomes, making it tough to attribute a specific outcome solely to the initial intervention.
RARE OUTCOMES: Long-term side effects, if they exist, might be infrequent, and therefore require large sample sizes and extended periods to detect.
ETHICAL CONCERNS: Ideally, long-term effects are best studied with randomized controlled trials, but on the basis of ethical reasons, long term-studies have not been conducted.
While most vaccine side effects are temporary and mild, some vaccines have been associated with longer-term side effects. However, these are rare:
Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)
As previously mentioned, OPV was associated with Vaccine-Associated Paralytic Polio (VAPP). Because of this risk, OPV is no longer used in many countries, including the US.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
Rarely, the yellow fever vaccine has been linked to neurological diseases and severe multisystem illnesses. The risk remains exceedingly low.
For the majority of vaccines, serious long-term side effects have not been identified despite many years or even decades of use.
There was controversy surrounding the mercury-containing preservative thimerosal, once used in some vaccines, and its potential link to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. Multiple comprehensive studies found no credible evidence of such an association. Due to public concern, thimerosal has been removed in all vaccines routinely recommended for children six years of age and younger, with the exception of inactivated influenza vaccine in some cases.
Source: CDC, FDA, and the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine (IOM).
NOTE:
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Vaccine and Autism
A 1998 paper suggested a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. This paper has since been thoroughly discredited and retracted. Numerous studies have found no link between MMR and autism. The discussion continues and there are many ongoing studies about this topic.
Source: IOM, World Health Organization (WHO).
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Vaccine and Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
There have been reports of POI after the HPV vaccine, but studies haven’t found a causal relationship. The observed rates of POI in vaccinated populations don’t exceed the expected rates in the general population. Source: CDC.
Hepatitis B Vaccine and Multiple Sclerosis
Early concerns arose about a potential link between the Hepatitis B vaccine and the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS). Multiple large-scale studies have found no increased risk of MS following vaccination. Source: IOM, CDC.
Dengue Vaccine (Dengvaxia) and Severe Dengue
Dengvaxia, used in some countries to protect against dengue, has been found to potentially increase the risk of severe dengue in people who were not previously infected with the virus. Due to this, recommendations have been adjusted to ensure vaccination only in individuals with a confirmed prior dengue infection in areas where the disease is endemic.
Source: WHO.
Long-term Localized Reactions:
Some individuals, particularly after receiving the tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine, might experience long-term localized swelling and inflammation at the injection site.
To detect any adverse events, including potential long-term side effects, postmarketing surveillance systems have been established:
Vaccine
System (VAERS): In the U.S., this system collects and analyzes data from reports of adverse events after vaccination. While VAERS is a crucial system, it has limitations, including potential under-reporting and the challenge of determining causality from its data.
Vaccine Safety
(VSD): A collaboration between the CDC and several healthcare organizations, the VSD conducts studies based on questions or concerns raised from the medical literature and reports to VAERS. It allows for planned, controlled studies.
Assessment (CISA): This CDC project works with vaccine safety experts and conducts clinical research on vaccine-associated health risks. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other agencies also have systems in place to monitor and ensure vaccine safety.
In conclusion, while it’s inherently challenging to assess the long-term effects of medical interventions, monitoring systems exist to detect and analyze potential adverse effects of vaccines. However, it’s essential to maintain vigilant monitoring and research.
The use of aluminum and other adjuvants in vaccines has raised questions and concerns among some members of the public. Adjuvants are ingredients used in some vaccines to enhance the body’s immune response to the vaccine. Aluminum salts, such as aluminum hydroxide, aluminum phosphate, and aluminum potassium sulfate, have been used as adjuvants in vaccines for more than 70 years.
Some individuals have expressed concern about potential neurotoxic effects or other health problems related to the aluminum content in vaccines.
AMOUNT: The amount of aluminum in vaccines is small and is approved by regulatory agencies to be safe for use in vaccines. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set limits on the amount of aluminum that can be in vaccines.
NATURAL EXPOSURE: Aluminum is the third most abundant element in the Earth’s crust and is present in our environment, including foods, breast milk, and infant formula. For instance, the amount of aluminum in vaccines is comparable to or even less than what infants typically ingest from food sources during the first six months of life, albeit that injecting a substance is different than swallowing and therefor the comparison may not be a fair one.
ABSORPTION AND EXCRETION: The body eliminates aluminum, primarily through the kidneys. The trace amounts in vaccines are processed by the body differently than larger exposures from other sources, with much of it being excreted within days to weeks.
Some vaccines, like the flu vaccine, used to contain thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative. Due to public concerns, even though no link between thimerosal and neurological disorders has been established,
thimerosal has been removed or reduced to trace amounts in all childhood vaccines since 2001 in the U.S., with the exception of multidose vials of the flu vaccine. Numerous studies have confirmed the safety of thimerosal in vaccines. Sources: CDC, FDA, IOM.
While the concerns of the public should always be taken seriously, it’s essential to approach the topic of vaccine ingredients, including aluminum, with a comprehensive understanding of the existing data.
The consistent findings from the scientific community, based on decades of research, sides with the safety of aluminum and other metals used in the small amounts found in vaccines.
Which vaccines have aluminum?
Aluminum salts, like aluminum hydroxide, aluminum phosphate, and aluminum potassium sulfate, are used as adjuvants in some vaccines to boost the body’s immune response to the vaccine. These adjuvants have been used in vaccines for over 70 years.
HERE IS A LIST OF SOME VACCINES THAT TYPICALLY CONTAIN ALUMINUM:
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) Vaccines:
Daptacel Infanrix
Diphtheria and Tetanus (DT) Vaccines:
Hepatitis A Vaccines: Havrix Vaqta
Hepatitis B Vaccines:
Engerix-B
Recombivax HB
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Vaccine:
Twinrix
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) Vaccine:
PedvaxHIB
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine:
Gardasil 9
Pneumococcal Vaccine:
Pneumovax 23 (Note: Prevnar 13, another pneumococcal vaccine, does not contain aluminum.)
Combination Vaccines:
Pediarix (contains DTaP, Hepatitis B, and Polio vaccines)
Pentacel (DTap, Hib, Polio)
Kinrix (contains DTaP and Polio vaccines)
NOTE: This handout provides factual information about diseases and associated vaccines but does not provide recommendations. Decisions regarding vaccinations should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals based on individual health needs.
Here’s a list of major manufacturers and some of their vaccine products. However, specific aluminum levels can vary between different formulations and over time, so it’s essential to consult current package inserts or the manufacturer for the most up-to-date information.
PFIZER:
Prevnar 13 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine)
Trumenba (meningococcal group B vaccine)
MERCK & CO.:
M-M-R II (measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine)
Varivax (varicella vaccine)
ProQuad (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine)
Gardasil 9 (human papillomavirus vaccine)
Pneumovax 23 (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine)
GLAXOSMITHKLINE (GSK):
Infanrix (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine)
Pediarix (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and polio vaccine)
Rotarix (rotavirus vaccine)
Cervarix (human papillomavirus vaccine)
SEQIRUS (PREVIOUSLY NOVARTIS):
Afluria (influenza vaccine)
SANOFI PASTEUR:
ActHIB (Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine)
Menactra (meningococcal conjugate vaccine)
Pentacel (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine)
Fluzone (influenza vaccine)
MEDIMMUNE (A SUBSIDIARY OF ASTRAZENECA):
FluMist (influenza vaccine)
NOTE: This handout provides factual information about diseases and associated vaccines but does not provide recommendations. Decisions regarding vaccinations should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals based on individual health needs.
Vaccination remains one of the major discussions in pediatric healthcare, given its profound potential impact on individual and public health.
I, Dr. Gator, embarked on this mission to simplify the vast sea of information on vaccines for discerning parents, in a landscape where an abundance of data, both verified and speculative, can make decision-making daunting.
From understanding the intricacies of vaccine ingredients like aluminum to comprehending the statistics on deaths from vaccine-preventable illnesses, the goal has been clear: to empower parents with transparent, balanced, and researched information from the major health organizations.
While the insights shared might not address every nuance or specific concern, they represent a sincere attempt to facilitate a foundational understanding. It’s essential to remember that each family’s journey in healthcare decision-making is unique, requiring tailored guidance and expertise.
As we navigate the challenges and triumphs of parenting, informed choices form the bedrock of ensuring our children’s wellbeing. While this guide provides a snapshot of the current vaccine landscape, ongoing dialogue with healthcare professionals remains indispensable. As new research emerges and as the world of medicine evolves, it’s essential to stay updated, ask questions, and seek clarity.
In a world brimming with information, my hope is that this guide serves as a reliable starting point, underlining the importance of continued research, open conversations, and, most importantly, trust in the healthcare community’s shared goal: the welfare of our children.
Stay informed, stay curious, and always prioritize the health and well-being of your loved ones.
To the journey of informed choices and a healthier future,
Dr. Gator
NOTE: This handout provides factual information about diseases and associated vaccines but does not provide recommendations. Decisions regarding vaccinations should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals based on individual health needs.