Latex Content in Adult Vaccines
Abstract
Hypersensitivity reactions to natural rubber latex are well-characterized occupational concerns for health care personnel. The prevalence of latex allergy among health care providers is reported to be as high as 9.7%. The symptoms range from mild local cutaneous reactions to generalized urticaria, angioedema, allergic rhinitis, respiratory symptoms, and even life-threating or fatal anaphylaxis. Health care providers are also at increased risk for exposure and possibly transmission of vaccine preventable diseases. Therefore, many healthcare facilities require providers to be vaccinated against these diseases to maintain employment. Specifically, hepatitis B and Tdap vaccinations are recommended by the Center for Disease Control for healthcare workers. Many of these vaccines come in single dose prefilled syringes whose packaged inserts have warning that state, "the tip caps of the prefilled syringes contain natural rubber latex which may cause allergic reactions." The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the Adverse reaction to vaccine practice parameter 2012 update, recommends that if a person has a history of a severe anaphylactic reaction to latex, then vaccines supplied in vials or syringes should be avoided.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 13, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1084936
Entities
People
- Derek M. Smith
- Julie A. Davenport
- Robert Gomez
Organizations
- 59th Medical Wing