The complex link between immunization against childhood diseases and allergy

Abstract

Vaccines can be at the origin of allergic manifestations in susceptible children. Such manifestations include: immediate-type hypersensitivity (anaphylactic shock, rash or angioedema) within 1 h after the injection; semi-late hypersensitivity (local inflammatory lesion such as the Arthus phenomenon) a few hours after the injection; and delayed-type hypersensitivity (abscess or eczema at the site of the injection). Furthermore, early-life vaccinations have been implicated in the modulation of the immune system as they could promote the development of allergy by avoiding infections. However, most population-based studies have not found an increased risk of allergies in vaccinated children. Due to methodological problems in conducting the studies, further investigations are needed to better understand the phenomenon.

Keywords::

• additives
• allergy
• asthma
• atopy
• egg
• gelatine
• hypersensitivity
• immunization
• influenza
• vaccine

Financial disclosure

The authors have no relevant financial interests related to this manuscript, including employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.