Gender may play a role in the reactions and side effects that people experience after receiving vaccines, according to a recent issue of The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

Findings reported in the issue are based on research studies on vaccines that include those for influenza, measles, mumps and rubella, hepatitis and herpes simplex. Hormonal changes in women during pregnancy were also examined for their effect on vaccines.

"Sex can affect the frequency and severity of adverse effects of vaccination, including fever, pain and inflammation," said Sabra Klein, an assistant professor in the department of molecular microbiology and immunology at John Hopkins in Baltimore. "This is likely due to the fact that women typically mount stronger immune responses to vaccinations compared to men."

Klein and her research team found that most of the studies they analyzed did not keep track of ways in which gender impacted vaccine effectiveness or side effects. They determined that more knowledge on the subject could lead to new vaccination programs and increase participation in them.

The North Shore-LIJ Health System ensures up-to-date vaccinations for children by assessing and identifying age-specific vaccines, providing immunizations and educating the public about the need for vaccinations to reduce the spread of infectious disease.