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Vaccine adverse events: separating myth from reality

Sanford R Kimmel1

  • 1Department of Family Medicine, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, Ohio 43614, USA. skimmel@mco.edu

American Family Physician
|December 18, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Vaccine safety is a concern, but serious adverse effects are rare. Evidence does not link the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine to autism or hepatitis B vaccine to multiple sclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Vaccines have significantly reduced childhood diseases in industrialized nations.
  • Concerns exist regarding rare but serious adverse effects of some vaccines.
  • Common reactions include local pain, swelling, redness, fever, and irritability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To address public concerns about vaccine safety.
  • To review the scientific evidence linking vaccines to adverse events.
  • To inform healthcare providers about vaccine benefits and risks.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature and studies.
  • Examination of data on vaccine adverse events.
  • Analysis of evidence regarding specific vaccine-adverse event links.

Main Results:

  • No substantial evidence links measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism.
  • No substantial evidence links hepatitis B vaccine to multiple sclerosis.
  • Thimerosal is being removed from routine childhood vaccines due to mercury exposure concerns.

Conclusions:

  • Vaccine-preventable diseases may increase if immunization rates decline.
  • Family physicians must be knowledgeable to counsel patients on vaccine benefits and risks.
  • The benefits of vaccination outweigh the proven risks for most individuals.

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