title: Anaphylaxis after vaccination of children: review of literature and recommendations for vaccination in child and school health services in Belgium.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Concerns about the very small, but real risk of anaphylaxis after vaccination, has given rise to specific questions about the safe administration of vaccines to children and adolescents in the context of preventive settings (i.e. well baby clinics and school health services). As a support to preventive health professionals a guideline based on scientific evidence and supported by professional consensus was developed in Belgium.
  
  
  METHODS
  First, a draft of guideline was written based on a review of international literature. Second, through several rounds of consultation professional consensus about the document was obtained across the Belgian communities and professional groups, and in a final version endorsed by the Belgian Superior Health Council in July 2012.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In a literature overview information is given about the definition of anaphylaxis, allergens in vaccines potentially causing anaphylaxis, published incidence rates of anaphylaxis after vaccination, and strategies for first-aid management of anaphylaxis. The Belgian guideline on the prevention of anaphylaxis after vaccination includes recommendations on prevaccination risk assessment, the content of the emergency kit, measures to be taken after vaccination, differential diagnosis and first-aid management of anaphylaxis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The guideline, summarized as a flowchart for the prevention and first-aid management of anaphylaxis, is considered as the actual state of the art in Belgium for vaccination of children and youngsters in preventive health services, and may inspire governmental bodies and/or professional groups in other countries to adopt similar recommendations.
authors.affiliation: Flemish Scientific Society for Youth Health Care (VWVJ), Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Anouk
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vanlander
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Youth Health Care, University of Leuven, 35, Block d, PO Box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. Electronic address: karel.hoppenbrouwers@med.kuleuven.be.
authors.forename: Karel
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hoppenbrouwers
mesh_terms: D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D000941:Antigens / Q000009:adverse effects; D001530:Belgium; D006801:Humans; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012572:School Health Services; D014611:Vaccination / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000941:Antigens
keywords: Adrenaline; Anaphylaxis; Children and adolescents; First-aid management; Preventive health services; Vaccine