Study: Vaccine Side Effects Extremely Rare
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Vaccine NewsA recent review published in the journal Pediatrics analyzed 67 research studies and concluded that serious side effects from childhood vaccines are extremely rare, and as such, the benefits of immunization far outweigh the risks. While childhood vaccines are commonly associated with mild side effects, such as fever or pain and swelling at the injection sites, they have not been found to include adverse effects that are commonly mentioned, such as autism, food allergies or cancer.
The study is an expansion on a 2011 report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) that identified side effects, but said few health problems were the cause of vaccines.
Resources
- 2014 Pediatrics report: Safety of Vaccines Used for Routine Immunization of US Children: A Systematic Review
- 2012 Institute of Medicine report: Adverse Effects of Vaccines: Evidence and Causality
- Vaccine safety — general safety concerns
- Vaccine safety — the immune system
- Vaccine safety — health conditions
- Vaccine safety — ingredients
Media stories
- Study finds vaccine side effects extremely rare. USA Today. July 1, 2014
- Childhood vaccines again deemed generally safe. Associated Press. July 1, 2014
- Systematic review of vaccine safety may allay parents’ concerns. American Academy of Pediatrics. July 1, 2014
Contributed by: Charlotte A. Moser, MS
Categories: Vaccine-Related News
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