Vaccination - a dilemma for a pediatric anesthesiologist: When is the right moment?

Abstract

Possible immune system interactions due to vaccination and drugs used in general anesthesia represent a dilemma for pediatric anesthesiologists in everyday practice. Immunosuppression caused by anesthesia and surgical trauma can affect the immunization process and cause-specific unwanted reactions. On the other hand, side effects due to vaccination can confuse clinicians in the immediate postoperative course. Both the nature of the vaccine and the type of surgery determines the delay period of elective surgical intervention. This current topic aims to present the scientific facts about the complex interactions between vaccination, immunization, general anesthesia, and surgical trauma and to provide recommendations for preoperative preparation.

Keywords

• anesthesia
• children
• immunization
• vaccines