|
Persons with
Celiac Disease
do not have an increased risk of side effects from vaccination compared
to
others. They can and should receive all routine vaccinations
recommended for
infants, children and adults.
Routine vaccines may contain weakened strains of viruses (e.g. measles,
mumps
and rubella vaccine) or milled protein (e.g. tetanus vaccine). Both
types
of vaccines are recommended and can be given to persons with
Celiac
Disease. All vaccines induce the body's immune system to produce
antibodies,
which protect against infections. Vaccines do not cause infection.
Concern about vaccination in persons with Celiac Disease may arise for
the
following reasons:
- Persons may have
read
that measles vaccine can increase the risk of inflammatory bowel
disease,
such as Crohn's Disease, and wonder if the vaccine will worsen their
Celiac
Disease. In fact, there is no evidence of any association between
measles
vaccine and inflammatory bowel disease.
- People may be
concerned
about the effect of oral vaccines on their condition. There are no oral
vaccines
in the routine immunization schedules in Canada (the polio vaccine used
in
Canada is injectable). However, there may be oral vaccinations
recommended
for certain travelers. Currently there are two oral travel vaccines;
typhoid
vaccine and cholera vaccine. These may be recommended for travel to
countries
where these diseases are common. Both, particularly the typhoid
vaccine, can
cause gastrointestinal upset. Persons with Celiac Disease who are
controlled
and without symptoms will not experience more severe side effects than
anyone
else from these vaccines. If concerned, there is an injectable typhoid
vaccine
available that works as well as the oral variety and may be preferable
to
persons with Celiac Disease. The only cholera vaccine available is the
oral
variety, but this vaccine is rarely needed by travellers.
For any other questions regarding vaccination, contact your local
health unit,
found in the blue pages of the phone book.
|
