Immunizations in Children Requiring Warfarin Therapy

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2016 Nov;38(8):e329-e332. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000000662.

Abstract

Children with conditions requiring chronic warfarin therapy have increased. The importance of receiving immunizations in this population is magnified due to potential weakness in their immune response. There is concern about immunizing on therapeutic anticoagulation due to risk of hematomas and the influence of vaccine on warfarin metabolism. This study evaluated the influence of vaccines on warfarin effect as measured by the International Normalized Ratio and the clinically relevant hematomas or bruising postimmunization. There were no clinically relevant negative outcomes postimmunizations. This study demonstrates that immunizations may be safely administered to children receiving therapeutic warfarin therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cohort Studies
  • Drug Interactions
  • Female
  • Hematoma / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunization / adverse effects*
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Vaccines / pharmacology
  • Warfarin / metabolism
  • Warfarin / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Vaccines
  • Warfarin