What is Vaccinosis?
From a conventional standpoint, “vaccinosis” is not an accepted medical term as mainstream science does not recognize it as a disease. Homeopaths, however, trace its roots to the very beginnings of their tradition. Dr Samuel Hahnemann, Homeopathy’s founder, taught that unresolved “miasms” (deep-seated chronic disease tendencies) underlie many health problems. Building on this idea, homeopaths like J. Compton Burnett in the 1880s-90s identified vaccinosis as a kind of new chronic miasm created by vaccines. Burnett distinguished between “vaccinia” (the local effects of the smallpox vaccine at the injection site) and “vaccinosis” which is a persistent constitutional disorder caused by the vaccine. According to Burnett, vaccinosis can present acutely or, more often, as a chronic affliction with varied symptoms.
Modern Homeopathic writers echo this view. For example, Saxton (2005) explains that a vaccine reaction, if not properly addressed can lead to the creation of vaccinosis. He notes that vaccinosis itself may even arise “as a primary condition,” meaning chronic symptoms that appear to start on their own but which the Homeopath traces back to vaccination. Put simply, vaccinosis is considered in Homeopathy to be a long-term disturbance of the vital force (the body’s innate healing energy) caused by the vaccine, rather than a brief immune reaction.
Common Homeopathic Remedies
- Thuja occidentalis – the remedy Burnett called “the remedy for vaccinosis”. It is often used when people develop chronic skin or glandular problems after vaccination.
- Hepar sulphuris, Silicea, Sulphur – deep-acting remedies for persistent infection or weakness. These are used when symptoms suggest the body’s defences are failing (e.g. prolonged suppuration, chilliness, fatigue).
- Apis mellifica – used when there is marked swelling, hives or sensitivity; it appears in Kent’s list for post-vaccine ailments.
- Arsenicum album – for anxious exhaustion or burning pains; also listed under vaccination symptoms.
- Echinacea angustifolia – sometimes used homeopathically to support the immune system.
- Malandrinum (syphilis nosode) – included in Kent’s repertory; used if symptoms resemble a sycotic/venereal miasm after vaccination.
Other remedies may come into play depending on the case – for instance, nosodes like Bacillinum or Medorrhinum might be used by some practitioners when the clinical picture suggests it. But classical sources repeatedly cite Thuja, Hepar, Sulphur and the Kent-listed remedies as key starting points.