Can Vaccines Cause Allergic Reactions?
Vaccines protect millions of people each year from serious diseases, but certain ingredients can trigger an allergic reaction. Knowing what causes these reactions, how to recognize them, and what to do afterward can make all the difference in staying safe and getting the help you need.
An allergic reaction occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies part of a vaccine as dangerous and responds too aggressively. Most vaccines are well-tolerated, but some contain ingredients that can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.
Common culprits include egg protein (used in some flu and yellow fever vaccines), gelatin (found in MMR and varicella vaccines), and certain preservatives or stabilizers like thimerosal or polysorbate 80. People allergic to latex may also react to vial stoppers or syringe tips that contain latex.
Localized reactions are the most common and include redness, swelling, or mild pain at the injection site. These symptoms typically fade within a few days.
Delayed reactions can appear hours or even days later, often as mild fever, fatigue, or joint pain. The most serious type is anaphylaxis, a sudden, life-threatening reaction that can cause breathing difficulties, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or a rapid heartbeat. Anaphylaxis requires immediate emergency treatment with epinephrine and hospital care.
If you experience any of the following symptoms after a vaccination, seek medical help right away:
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
Severe rash or hives
Dizziness, fainting, or vomiting
Even mild or delayed symptoms should be reported to your doctor, who may recommend testing to identify the ingredient responsible. If you’ve had a severe reaction, your doctor may suggest avoiding certain vaccines or using alternative formulations in the future.
While vaccine reactions are uncommon, they can cause lasting physical, emotional, and financial strain. That’s why Congress created the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)—a federal fund designed to compensate people injured by vaccines.
The program covers medical expenses, lost wages, and up to $250,000 for pain and suffering. Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, are recognized under the VICP, meaning you may be eligible for compensation if your reaction meets certain criteria.
Navigating this process can be complex, but experienced vaccine injury law firms like Pearsall Law Firm, P.C. can help. We gather medical records, hire medical experts, and build strong evidence to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
At Pearsall Law Firm, P.C., we specialize in helping people suffering from vaccine-related injuries, including allergic reactions. We understand the stress and uncertainty that follow a serious reaction, and we’re here to help you secure justice and peace of mind.
If you believe you’ve suffered an allergic reaction from a vaccine, contact us today by clicking the “Contact Us Now” button at the top of this page.
You don’t have to face this alone—we’re here to help you move forward.