Question
The child is five and a half years old and has had four episodes since the age of three. Taiyuan Children’s Hospital diagnosed it as epilepsy, while Beijing Children’s Hospital and Peking University Hospital diagnosed it as high fever seizures. Each EEG examination result showed abnormalities. Treatment history and effectiveness: Intravenous treatment was administered after each episode, including brain supplements and anti-inflammatory medication; no antiepileptic drugs were taken. Current assistance needed: The child needs to receive booster vaccinations; is it possible to do so?
Answer
Epilepsy itself is not a contraindication for vaccination. Although there have been reports of neurological side effects in some epilepsy patients after vaccination, these side effects do not have statistical significance. Vaccination is crucial for protecting children’s health, and therefore, children with a history of epilepsy or high fever seizures should not be denied potentially life-saving vaccines. Although some vaccines may cause fever, such as Japanese encephalitis vaccine, meningitis vaccine, and DTP vaccine, the risk of triggering epilepsy or exacerbating seizures in children with epilepsy, high fever seizures, or a family history of epilepsy is limited. Long-term follow-up observations have not shown significant side effects. Therefore, we still recommend normal vaccination. Before vaccination, potential risks and ways to handle fever should be explained to the parents.