We monitor very closely for trends and events that may indicate problems and we have an immunization tracking system that can readily allow us to analyze these problems by unit, by lot, or by location. Only 8 of these 49 Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System Forms indicated a requirement for either hospitalization or loss of duty for more than 24 hours. This includes local erythema or redness at the site of vaccination, a subcutaneous nodule or knot under the skin, tenderness, and perhaps swelling. It is important to note and compare that other US National vaccines with similar components and constituency, such as tetanus toxoids and typhoid for example, have nearly identical adverse events associated with their use. The remaining 23 of 49 adverse events are classified as systemic reactions.
Systemic reactions range from hives, muscle and joint pain, nausea, fever, and chills.
Again, these rare adverse events are commonly cited in the medical literature with many other vaccines. In fact, you should note systemic reactions occur with greater incidence with the Mumps, Measles and Rubella Vaccine, Hepatitis B Vaccine, and Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis Vaccines, effectively given as part of our National vaccination programs. The etiology of this syndrome is still unknown, although it has been associated with recent infectious disease and vaccinations. GBS gained some notoriety during the 1976 national vaccination against swine influenza and was found to increase the rate of GBS slightly less than one case per one hundred thousand vaccinations. More recent studies suggests the rate may be as low as 1-3 cases per 1,000,000 people vaccinated.