Measles-mumps vaccination in the FRG: an empirical analysis after 14 years of use. II. Tolerability and analysis of spontaneously reported side effects.

Abstract Four hundred and thirty-three reports of suspected side effects following measles-mumps vaccination had been received at Behringwerke by the end of December 1989. The analysis of the data shows that no new risks of the vaccination could be identified and that the frequency of side effects is in good agreement with the findings of other authors. It therefore can be assumed that the relative risks of the vaccination continue to be distinctly outweighed by the benefits. The findings clearly demonstrate once more that it is necessary to carry out a thorough differential diagnosis before one can assume that the symptoms observed are causally related to the vaccination. In addition the analysis shows the importance of the epidemiological approach to the assessment of rare side effects.