Question

My child is 5 weeks and 6 months old. Since 3 years and 6 months, they have had 4 seizures. Taiyuan Children’s Hospital diagnosed them with epilepsy, while Beijing Children’s Hospital and Peking University First Hospital diagnosed them with high fever seizures. Each EEG showed abnormal brain waves. Previous treatment and effects: After each seizure, they were given intravenous fluids containing brain supplements and anti-inflammatory medication. No epilepsy-specific medication has been taken. Assistance needed: The child now needs booster vaccinations. Can they receive them?

Answer

Epilepsy itself is not a contraindication for vaccination. Although there have been occasional reports of neurological side effects in epilepsy patients after vaccination, there is no statistical significance. Preventive vaccinations effectively ensure the health of the vast majority of children, so there should be no reason to refuse vaccinations that could potentially save lives. Some vaccines can cause body temperature to drop, such as Japanese encephalitis vaccine, influenza vaccine, and DTP vaccine. In children with epilepsy, febrile seizures, or a family history of epilepsy, vaccination may trigger seizures or exacerbate them, but long-term follow-up has shown no significant side effects, so it is still recommended to receive vaccinations normally. However, it is important to inform the risks of vaccination and methods to alleviate fever before vaccination.