Researchers at Group Health
Cooperative's Center for Health Studies released the results of a study
on the potential for seizures after a child has been given a vaccine. Below
are answers from the researchers on common questions arising from the
study.
Given the risk of seizures, should parents have their children
vaccinated?
Yes. Despite the small risk for seizures linked to fever following
vaccination, most pediatricians strongly recommend vaccination. Vaccines
prevent serious diseases that pose a much greater risk to most children's
health than the seizures associated with vaccination.
Pertussis, for example, is a highly contagious respiratory disease
("whooping cough") that can lead to pneumonia, brain damage, and even death.
Tetanus, diphtheria, measles, and mumps can also be life-threatening. Rubella
can cause pregnant women to miscarry or have babies with serious birth
defects.
What can be done to prevent fever-related seizures following
vaccination?
Many pediatricians recommend giving children an aspirin-free pain
reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) at the time the child receives DTP
or DTaP. DTaP is new vaccine with fewer side effects that has recently replaced
most DTP in the United States. Do not give aspirin to a child under 18. Aspirin
can cause Reye's Syndrome, a rare but dangerous disease.
Seizures following DTP usually occur in the first three days following
immunization, with the greatest frequency happening in the first 24
hours.
Preventing seizures following an MMR vaccination is more difficult
because fever-related seizures typically occur eight to 14 days following
the shot. Still, it may be helpful to start giving your child an aspirin-free
pain reliever as soon as you notice a fever.
What should you do if your child has a seizure following a
vaccination?
Contact a medical professional right away. Although fever-related
seizures typically are not associated with long-term harmful effects, it's
important that your child be evaluated to rule out other possible health
problems.
see also:
Febrile
Seizures Frightening but not dangerous
courtesy of Group Health
Cooperative
