Ask the Nurse: Vaccines
Each month, debra of America’s “Ask the Nurse” series will highlight a commonly asked question received by our Nurse Educator, Emily Griffith, BSN, RN. This month’s post focuses on Vaccines. Let’s get started!
Question: Is it safe to receive vaccines in EB and are there any precautions we should take?
Answer: Vaccinations during childhood and adulthood provide important defense against serious illnesses. Vaccines allow our body’s immune system to safely develop antibodies/immunity to diseases and reduce risk of these illnesses. Routine vaccinations in EB may be given at the appropriate, scheduled times as directed by your physician. You or your child may experience a mild reaction to some vaccinations, which includes a slight fever (under 102 degrees F), soreness and/or redness at the injection site. These symptoms can typically last up to 1 to 2 days and should be discussed with your healthcare provider. When receiving a vaccine injection, remind your healthcare worker to gently dab the area with alcohol to avoid any friction from cleansing the site. The injection should be placed at the appropriate site where there is intact skin. Following the injection there should be no vigorous rubbing or massaging, just gentle pressure with an EB-safe dressing to cover the site.
For more information regarding vaccines, please discuss with your healthcare provider. You can also refer to the CDC for more info on “Understanding How Vaccines Work” here.
Click here to watch Dr. Amy Paller’s video presentation on COVID-19 & EB on EBconnect.org.
To read more commonly asked questions, click here.
If you have an EB care-related question for our EB Nurse Educator, please email: [email protected] or call toll-free at 866-DEBRA-76 (866-332-7276).
*The information provided herein is intended to educate the reader about certain medical conditions and certain possible treatments. It is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis, and medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. If you believe you, your child, or someone you know, suffer from conditions described herein, please see your healthcare provider. Do not attempt to treat yourself, your child, or anyone else without proper medical supervision.
