The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend vaccination as the first step to reduce your risk of infection with seasonal and pandemic flu 3. While there are many pros to getting vaccinated, there are also some cons you may wish to consider.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Flu-Like Symptoms after Vaccination
In clinical studies by CSL Biotherapies Inc., makers of the Afluria seasonal flu vaccine, approximately 10 percent of adults complained of headache, muscle ache, fatigue and malaise after receiving the vaccine. Children reported a broader range of symptoms including irritability, rhinitis, fever, cough, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, muscle aches and sore throat. These symptoms were usually mild and resolved within a few days. In addition, more than 10 percent of adults and children complained of injection-site reactions consisting of localized muscle pain, tenderness, redness and swelling, which persisted for up to 1 week.
- In clinical studies by CSL Biotherapies Inc., makers of the Afluria seasonal flu vaccine, approximately 10 percent of adults complained of headache, muscle ache, fatigue and malaise after receiving the vaccine.
- In addition, more than 10 percent of adults and children complained of injection-site reactions consisting of localized muscle pain, tenderness, redness and swelling, which persisted for up to 1 week.
Risk of Vaccine Failure
Flu Symptoms With Shingles
Learn More
The flu vaccine is not foolproof. The effectiveness of the vaccine depends on the degree of match between circulating influenza strains and the strains in the vaccine, which are determined more than 6 months before the flu season begins. Some years the match is better than others. According to the CDC, in years when the match is very good, the vaccine reduces the risk of influenza by 70 to 90 percent in healthy adults. In the elderly, infants and people with medical problems, the vaccine may be even less effective, even though these groups are also at higher risk of influenza-related complications.
- The flu vaccine is not foolproof.
- According to the CDC, in years when the match is very good, the vaccine reduces the risk of influenza by 70 to 90 percent in healthy adults.
Risk of Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body manufactures antibodies against sites on the peripheral nerves 3. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, initial symptoms of GBS include muscle weakness and tingling that begins in the legs and moves up the body progressively. In severe cases, a person may be completely paralyzed and require a ventilator to breathe, due to paralysis of the diaphragm. In 90 percent of patients, symptoms peak at approximately 3 weeks. Between five percent and six percent of people with GBS die. Among those who survive, recovery is prolonged; 30 percent of patients still report residual weakness 3 years after infection. GBS is usually related to bacterial infection with Campylobacter jejuni. However, one in 1 million people who received the swine flu vaccine in 1976 and the seasonal flu vaccine between 1992 and 1994 also developed the disease. For the 2009-2010 flu season, the Food and Drug Administration required all influenza vaccine manufacturers to note the risk of GBS in their product literature 2.
Related Articles
References
- CDC: Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Resources for Healthcare Professionals
- Food and Drug Administration: Vaccine, Blood, and Biologics
- CDC: Seasonal Flu and Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- Meites E, Kempe A, Markowitz LE. Use of a 2-dose schedule for human papillomavirus vaccination—updated recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016;65:1405–1408.
- Meites E, Szilagyi PG, Chesson HW, et al. Human papillomavirus vaccination for adults: Updated recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2019;68:698–702. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6832a3
- Saslow D, Andrews KS, Manassaram-baptiste D, et al. Human papillomavirus vaccination 2020 guideline update: American Cancer Society guideline adaptation. CA Cancer J Clin. Jul 8, 2020;7(4):274-280. doi:10.3322/caac.21616
- World Health Organization. Human papillomavirus and HPV vaccines.
- Food and Drug Administration. Package insert - Gardasil 9.
- Meites E, Kempe A, Markowitz LE. Use of a 2-dose schedule for human papillomavirus vaccination—updated recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016;65:1405–1408.
- Brotherton JM, Budd A, Rompotis C, et al. Is one dose of human papillomavirus vaccine as effective as three?: A national cohort analysis. Papillomavirus Res. 2019;8:100177. doi:10.1016/j.pvr.2019.100177
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV vaccine recommendations. Updated 2016.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV and Cancer.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Human Papillomavirus.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV Vaccine Safety.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Questions about HPV vaccine safety. 2019.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV vaccine safety and effectiveness. 2016.
Resources
Writer Bio
Heather Gloria began writing professionally in 1990. Her work has appeared in several professional and peer-reviewed publications including "Nutrition in Clinical Practice." Gloria earned both a Bachelor of Science in food science and human nutrition from the University of Illinois. She also maintains the "registered dietitian" credential and her professional interests include therapeutic nutrition, preventive medicine and women's health.