Page 824 - Veterinary Immunology, 10th Edition

VetBooks.ir Adverse Consequences of

Vaccination

Vaccination continues to be the only safe, reliable, and effective way
of protecting animals against the major infectious diseases. Vaccine-
related toxicity is usually rare, mild, and transient, and hypothetical
side effects must not dominate our perceptions. Nevertheless, the

use of vaccines is not free of risk. Residual virulence and toxicity,
allergic responses, disease in immunodeficient hosts, neurological
complications, and harmful effects on the fetus are the most
significant risks associated with the use of vaccines (Fig. 25.4).

Veterinarians should use only licensed vaccines, and the
manufacturer's recommendations should be carefully followed.
Before using a vaccine, the veterinarian should consider the
likelihood that an adverse event will happen, as well as the possible

consequences or severity of this event. These factors must be
weighed against the benefits to the animal. Thus a common but
mild complication will require a different consideration than a rare,
severe complication.

FIG. 25.4 A simple classification of the major adverse effects of
vaccination.

The issue of the risk associated with vaccination remains in large

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