Severe Allergic rxn to Vaccines need advice!!

gwenith, BSN, RN · Jun 24, 2003

Karen - I would talk to a good pharmacist and if possible see an allergist.

disher · Jun 24, 2003

I am kind of confused, was the reaction localized to your feet? Or did you have a systemic reaction with hives all over your body?

If you are concerned that you are allergic to one of the vaccine ingredients, get referred to a drug interaction clinic. The physician at the drug interaction clinic can test for allergies and advise whether or not you should have future vaccinations.

kwagner_51 · Jun 24, 2003

Originally posted by disher
I am kind of confused, was the reaction localized to your feet? Or did you have a systemic reaction with hives all over your body?
If you are concerned that you are allergic to one of the vaccine ingredients, get referred to a drug interaction clinic. The physician at the drug interaction clinic can test for allergies and advise whether or not you should have future vaccinations.

My legs from my knees down were absolutely covered w/ hives and swollen. My hands and face never had hives but they were also swollen. My BP is normally 90/60. When I went to the first doc. it was 140/100! I never had trouble breathing but I did have some trouble seeing due to swelling. I had pitting edema in my legs and ankles and had a very hard time walking.

Does the Tetenus vaccine use horse serum? If it does, then that could be my problem. I love horses and have ridden for most of my life. However, the last time I rode, [about 10 yrs ago.] I broke out in what I would call a stinging nettle type rash. [Now I know that it was probably hives.] Small red bumps that itched severely. It was mostly on my feet on the outside of the ankles and top of my feet. This is also where the blood blisters formed from the shot.

Hope this explains a little more about my rxn.

Thanks!

In His Grace,

Karen

karenG · Jun 24, 2003

its likely to be the aluminium in the Tet that caused the problem- at least if you use the same one as us over here! most vaccine problems seem to be caused by the preservative in the vaccine not the actual vaccine. but I would have expected a local reaction as well.

tet does not contain anything related to horses! try contacting the manufacturer- they should have a help line.

good luck

Karen

eltrip · Jun 24, 2003

Do you have a history of any food, animal, or environmental allergies? An egg allergy can cause reactions to many vaccines, including Hepatitis B vacc. Egg protein can cause some serious problems. Thimerosol (sp?) can also be an issue.

Definitely check with an allergist.

disher · Jun 24, 2003

Prior to receiving the Tetorifice shot, were you using a foot spray to treat the fungal infection? If so, did the spray contain Formaldehyde?

Tetorifice and Diphtheria Toxoids Adsorbed is preserved with Aluminum phosphate, Thimerosal and Formaldehyde.

Tuberculin purified protein derivative is preserved with Tween 80 and Phenol.

People who are allergic to Formaldehyde should avoid Phenol, if you are allergic to Formaldehyde you should not have any vaccines. Your dermatologist can test you for a Formaldehyde allergy.

Below are links on the tetorifice vaccine, tuberculin testing and formaldehyde allergy

http://www.aventispasteur.com/usa/product/pdffiles/LE3823-3915%20Td%20VS.pdf

http://www.vaccineshoppe.com/US_PDF/752-21_4611.pdf

http://www.truetest.com/templates/21.html

eltrip · Jun 24, 2003

Well done, disher!

kids · Jun 25, 2003

Originally posted by eltrip
...Thimerosol (sp?) can also be an issue.

I am extreemly allergic to Thimersol, my Doctors office needs 30 days notice to give me any shots...they have to order in single dose preservitive free vaccines for me.

disher · Jun 27, 2003

I believe you are right, the Allergic Vasculitis likely was an adverse reaction to the tetorifice toxoid

To prevent future reactions you need to know which specific ingredient caused the reaction. Any of the potential allergens listed by the posters above (aluminum phosphate, thimersol or formaldehyde) could have caused the reaction. Also if the immune globulin came from horse it may have triggered the reaction.

http://www.nbtc.cornell.edu/education/Immunity_and_You/IMMUNOLOGY_LABS/Tetorifice_POPS_Pamphlet.pdf[/url]

Please consider consulting your dermatologist for patch testing, the results will make you aware of any other products you should avoid in the future.

Also, if you are interested in dermatology this is a link to a fantastic dermatology website with thousands of pictures of skin disorders. http://www.dermis.net/doia/mainmenu.asp?zugr=d&lang=e

Take care

kwagner_51 · Jun 27, 2003

Disher,

TAHNK YOU!!! I have been searching for 6 months trying to figure out what I had. I tried to tell the drs. that I thought it was the shot, but they looked at me like I had 2 heads. I did get the second dr.to put on my permanent record that I was NOT to get a tetorifice shot ever again. Should I also get a medic alert bracelet?

The pictures of the female's legs looked just like mine.

Thanks again!!

In His Grace,

Karen

disher · Jun 28, 2003

You do not need to get a medic alert bracelet until you know which ingredient(s) you are allergic to.

You might want to:

Contact the individual who gave you the tetorifice shot, get the name of the vaccine manufacturer and product information, take the product information sheet with you to your dermatologist.

Tell your dermatologist that you understand that the vasculitis could have been be caused by the fungus infection in your feet, but that you are concerned that since it happened with in 24hours of receiving a tetorifice shot it may have been an allergic reaction.

Ask him if he will patch test you for the ingredients in the Tetorifice vaccine so you can be reassured as to whether or not you are allergic to any vaccine preservatives.

Tell him that as a part of the nursing program you are required to keep you vaccines up to date and you will not feel comfortable getting any future shots until you know for sure whether or not you are allergic.

I think he will understand that your concern is valid and not look at you "like you have two heads"