Post-Vaccination Adverse Events in Korean Children Reported by their Parents

Abstract

This study purpose is to examine the types and patterns of post-vaccination adverse events perceived by parents with infants and young children ultimately in order to monitor adverse events suspected to be associated with vaccines and to provide basic information for developing measures against such adverse events. From June 2006 to June 2013, 415 cases reporting experiences of vaccine adverse events in infants and young children were extracted and data were analyzed through content analysis. Among the vaccines perceived by parents with infants and young children to cause adverse events, DTaP-IPV was most frequent as found in 317 cases, which was followed by PCV/Hib in 259 cases, and BCG in 136 cases. As to the type of adverse events, after the vaccination of DTaP, 55 cases of ‘skin reactions’, 51 cases of ‘fever of over 39°C, and 45 cases of ‘digestive disorders’ including vomiting and diarrhea. After the vaccination of PCV/Hib, 62 cases of ‘fever’ happened, 54 cases of ‘skin reactions’, and 36 cases of ‘fretfulness or restlessness’. After the vaccination of BCG, ‘lymphadenitis over 1cm’ was most frequent as reported in 77 cases, and 21 cases of ‘skin reactions’ appeared. Finally, it is believed necessary to make efforts to reduce post-vaccination adverse events through the safe management of vaccine, thorough preliminary checkup of the child’s condition before vaccination, and careful observation after vaccination. And there should be continuous long-term follow-up and research on causality for post-vaccination adverse events.