Office management of childhood vaccine-related anaphylaxis

As new vaccines are added to the immunization schedule for children, to be administered concurrently with other vaccines, the possibility of an acute allergic reaction increases. This article briefly reviews a few basic pathophysiologic aspects of anaphylaxis, the important role of histamine in its clinical manifestation, and its management. The article is aimed at health professionals who administer childhood vaccines outside hospitals, but who are located within 20 to 30 minutes' travel from an emergency room.