Common Vaccine Side Effects and How to Deal with Them

Common Vaccine Side Effects and

How to Deal with Them

Vaccines can have rare major side effects like severe allergic reactions, seizures, or high fever, but their benefits outweigh the risks. Contact your healthcare provider if your child experiences vaccine-related side effects. Most side effects are mild and go away on their own.

Understanding the common and uncommon side effects can ease worries and vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent serious diseases and keep your child healthy.

Vaccines: What Do They Do?

Vaccines work by getting the body ready to fight infection. Each one contains a disease-causing germ (or parts of one) that is either dead or weakened.

Antibodies are produced by the body to fight disease by recognizing specific parts of the germ. This long-term response means that if a person is ever exposed to the disease, the antibodies are already in place, the body knows how to fight it, and the person does not become ill.

Things To Be Considered Before Vaccination

• When you have an appointment for your baby's vaccine, keep the vaccination card with you at all times so that a proper record of the type of vaccine given and the date can be kept.
• Feed the baby well before the vaccination, as babies may develop a fever, become tired, or become cranky as a result of the vaccine, and will not be able to feed or eat properly when they return home.

Vaccine Symptoms in General

• All vaccines have the potential to cause mild irritability, crying, and restless sleep. A sore shot site is usually the cause of this.
• After immunization, babies may be restless or sleepy.
• Some kids sleep more than others. It's also common to have a decreased appetite and activity level.
• These signs and symptoms are common. There is no need to treat them.
• They usually disappear in 24 to 48 hours.

Reactions to Specific Immunization

Here are some of the most common vaccine side effects in babies.

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of side effects and reactions for each vaccine. Consult with a healthcare provider for more information.

Common Immunization Reactions and How to Treat Them

Common Shot Reactions: What You Should Know

• Vaccinations (immunizations) protect your child from serious diseases.
• Pain, redness, and swelling are common in the area where the shot was administered.
• The majority of symptoms appear within the first 12 hours of receiving the shot.
• It is normal to experience redness and fever on the first or second day after receiving the shot.
• All of these reactions indicate that the vaccine is effective.
• Your child's body is producing new antibodies in order to protect him or her from the real disease.
• The majority of these symptoms will last only two or three days.
• Normal reactions, such as redness or fever, do not necessitate a visit to the doctor.

Here's some helpful advice on how to take care of your child.

1. Treatment for Vaccine Site Reaction

• It's normal to experience some pain, swelling, and skin redness at the injection site. It indicates that the vaccine is effective.
• Massage the injection site gently three or more times per day.
• Apply a heating pad or a warm wet washcloth to the area for 10 minutes if you have pain or redness. As needed, repeat the process. The reason for this is that it will increase blood flow to the area. If you prefer, apply cold, but avoid ice.
• Try to avoid giving any pain relievers. Painkillers may impair the body's natural immune response. Instead, make use of the available heat in your area. Pain is rarely severe. Intake doctors prescribe painkillers, if necessary.

1. Hives at the injection site

If itchy, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream or other doctor-prescribed medicines (only).

1. Treatment for Immunization Fever

• Vaccine-induced fever is common, harmless, and likely beneficial. The reason for this is that fever boosts your body's immune system.
• Most vaccines cause fever within 12 hours, which lasts 1 to 2 days.
• Fever medicines should not be given to people who have a low-grade fever of 100-102°F (37.8-39°C). The reason for this is that they may suppress your body's natural immune response.
• Medicine may be given for discomfort if the temperature rises above 102° F (39° C). Doctor-prescribed medicines can be used if necessary.
• Fluids. Encourage unlimited amounts of cool fluids. The reason for this is to avoid dehydration. High fevers can also be treated with fluids. Only breastmilk or formula should be given to infants younger than 6 months.
• Put on everyday clothes. If your child is shivering or getting chills, wrap themself in a blanket until he/she feels better.

Is mercury present in vaccines?

Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, used to be present in vaccines, but it was excluded from most vaccines in 2001 and has been proven to be harmless.

Is there a connection between thimerosal and autism?

Studies conducted in several countries, including the US and Denmark, have found no link between thimerosal and autism. Prestigious organizations like the CDC and WHO have also concluded that there is no connection between mercury in vaccines and autism.

When should you consult your doctor about vaccine side effects?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

• After 3 days, the redness becomes more painful.
• After two days, the fever appears (or lasts more than 3 days)
• More than 7 days of redness or pain
• When the redness extends beyond 2 inches, it is considered severe (5 cm)
• You believe your child requires medical attention.
• Your child's condition worsens

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