Having a child is wonderful, and the baby stage even more so — it’s such a unique moment that passes by so quickly. But motherhood isn’t made of just good moments; along the way, there are situations that are not so pleasant, such as vaccination time. In addition to the stress of watching such a tiny baby get a shot, there may also be a vaccine reaction. Although a vaccine reaction doesn’t occur in every case, it’s a concern every parent has when they start their child’s immunization1. A reaction can appear up to 48 hours after the shot and generally goes away on its own within 2 to 3 days.

How to Prevent Reactions?

Some pediatricians recommend giving an antipyretic before the shot, others only use it if there is a vaccine reaction. In general, babies tend to become more sleepy after vaccination, irritable, and may even have a reduced appetite. However, these symptoms usually normalize within a few hours.

Main Symptoms and Reactions

Some of the most common symptoms as a reaction to vaccines are:

  • Fever
  • Excessive sleepiness
  • Lack of appetite
  • Pain and redness at the injection site

Other symptoms like muscle aches and headaches may also occur, as well as malaise and irritability. If the symptoms do not subside within 3 days, a pediatrician should be consulted for an evaluation2.

How to Relieve Symptoms

Symptoms can be relieved by applying ice to the vaccine site. With the help of a cloth or diaper, the ice should be applied at least 3 times a day until the discomfort and redness disappear.

Giving an antipyretic or pain reliever such as paracetamol to reduce fever and lessen body aches is another alternative. Eating light and healthy foods, even in small amounts, can also help. Severe vaccine reactions are rare, but they can occur.

This is because some children can be allergic to components of the vaccine, developing immediate itching or within about 30 minutes after the shot, difficulty breathing, and even anaphylactic shock, which requires immediate medical attention.

A common question among parents is whether a vaccine reaction means the vaccine was effective. The answer is no. No vaccine is expected to cause a reaction, except for the BCG, which forms a small scab at the injection site that later leaves a mark.

IMPORTANT: Childhood vaccination is mandatory as it protects public health. Through vaccination, epidemic outbreaks are controlled, and parents who do not vaccinate their children may be reported to the child protective services.

Vaccines and Their Reactions

Vaccines are carefully developed and tested before they are distributed and added to a child’s vaccination schedule. But like any medicine, adverse reactions can happen, and since each vaccine has different components, a child may react differently to each one.

Some vaccines require extra attention when administered, especially for babies or children with allergies, and pediatricians should be consulted for approval. Vaccines like influenza, yellow fever, and MMR (measles, rubella, and mumps) should only be given to children allergic to egg protein with authorization from an allergist.

Babies and children allergic to gelatin can also have adverse reactions to influenza, rabies, chickenpox, MMR (measles, rubella, and mumps), and the DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough) vaccines.

In most cases, all vaccines can present the same symptoms in babies and children who are not allergic to their components. Fever, pain at the injection site, and irritability are the main ones. Only the BCG vaccine, which protects against tuberculosis, has a characteristic reaction: a small red bump forms at the exact spot where the shot was given and develops into a minor sore.

This is a sign that the vaccine worked, and if it doesn’t occur, a doctor should be consulted to check and possibly recommend a new application. Apart from this minor sore, there are no other reactions besides the ones that can occur with any other vaccine.

Childhood vaccination is the best way to prevent severe infectious diseases and avoid regional outbreaks3. So, keep your child’s vaccination schedule up to date, and if you have any questions, consult a pediatrician.

Readers’ Questions:

How long does the 2-month vaccine last?

Both vaccines given right after birth and those at 2 or 4 months have an indefinite duration. However, some may require booster shots throughout life or when necessary.

See also: Rotavirus Vaccine – Why Is It Important?

Photos: a4gpa, RyAwesome