Movement disorders, cerebral palsy and vaccination

• Published in: European journal of paediatric neurology Vol. 36; pp. 143 - 150
• Main Authors: Liba, Zuzana, Kraus, Josef, Necas, Tomas, Necas, Jiri, Klugar, Miloslav, Krsek, Pavel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-01-2022
• Subjects: Adverse events; Cerebral palsy; Cerebral Palsy - complications; Child; Humans; Immunization; Influenza Vaccines; Influenza, Human; Movement disorders; Movement Disorders - etiology; Vaccination; Vaccination - adverse effects; Cerebral palsy; Immunization; Adverse events; Vaccination; Movement disorders
• ISSN: 1090-3798; 1532-2130
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2021.12.006

This review focused on vaccination in children with movement disorders, including cerebral palsy and the movement disorders triggered by vaccination in children with and without neurological disabilities. The following clinical questions were addressed: 1) Can children with movement disorders be vaccinated? 2) Can vaccination trigger movement disorders in children without neurological disabilities? 3) Can vaccination trigger movement disorders in children with neurological disabilities? and 4) Is there any consensus of care concerning vaccination in children with movement disorders? Following the PRISMA reporting guidelines, 1096 records were identified and 34 relevant papers were included. No evidence that vaccinations are contraindicated for children with movement disorders was noticed. Several reports of neurological adverse events, including movement disorders in children without neurological disabilities after various types of vaccination, were found. The reporting rates were low, the causality was controversial, and patient outcomes were mostly favourable. There was limited (if any) evidence in our search that any vaccination leads to any movement disorder exacerbation. Finally, no generally accepted consensus or standards of care concerning vaccination in patients with movement disorders were found. In summary, we found few precautions for vaccination in this group of patients and concluded that general best practice guidelines for immunization should be followed. In addition, influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are recommended because they can reduce morbidity and mortality in individuals severely affected by movement restrictions.
•There is no evidence that vaccinations are contraindicated for children with movement disorders.•Very rare neurological adverse events, including movement disorders, have been reported after various vaccines; their causality is often controversial, and outcomes are usually favourable.•A consensus statement for vaccination in children with movement disorders is needed.•Immunization with influenza and pneumococcal vaccines should be encouraged in individuals affected by movement restrictions.