Immunologic mechanisms responsible for adverse reactions to routine immunizations in children.

The principal licensed biologicals for human use in the United States have been listed with special emphasis given to antiviral vaccines. Possible adverse reactions of an immunologic nature which may be encountered in the use of these agents in routine immunization programs are described, while at the same time, their relative rarity is emphasized. The special problems one may encounter in immunizing the atopic child, the immunodeficient child, the child with active tuberculosis and the pregnant woman are considered separately, as are the undesirable consequences of hyperimmunization are mentioned.