Most vaccine side effects are mild and completely normal - they actually show the vaccine is working! Common reactions include low-grade fever (bukhar), injection site pain and swelling, and temporary fussiness or sleepiness. These typically resolve within 24-48 hours without any treatment. Serious reactions are extremely rare, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
Watch: Always look for this early hunger cues.Do you feed your baby only after they start crying?
Vaccines work by introducing a weakened or inactive form of disease-causing germs (or parts of them) into your baby's body. This triggers the immune system to produce antibodies - the body's natural disease fighters. Once these antibodies are formed, they remain ready to protect your child if they ever encounter the actual disease.
Think of it like a practice drill - your baby's body learns to fight the disease without actually getting sick. This is why vaccines are considered one of the safest and most effective ways to protect children from serious illnesses.
These reactions are normal and show the vaccine is working:
Good news: These symptoms usually disappear within 24-48 hours and don't need any special treatment.
What to expect:
How to treat:
For itchy hives at injection site: Apply doctor-prescribed 1% hydrocortisone cream only if recommended by your pediatrician.
Vaccine-induced fever is common, harmless, and actually beneficial - it boosts your baby's immune response!
Timeline:
What to do:
| Fever Level | Action |
|---|---|
| 100-102°F (37.8-39°C) | No medicine needed - this helps immunity |
| Above 102°F (39°C) | May give doctor-prescribed paracetamol (Calpol/Crocin) |
| Above 103°F (39.5°C) | Contact your pediatrician |
Hydration is Key:
Comfort measures:
Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, was removed from most vaccines in 2001. The small amounts previously used were proven harmless, but it was removed as an extra precaution.
No. Multiple large studies across countries including India, US, and Denmark have found no link between vaccines and autism. Organizations like WHO, CDC, and Indian Academy of Pediatrics confirm vaccines do not cause autism.
Contact your pediatrician or visit the hospital if:
Remember: Serious reactions are very rare. Most babies experience only mild symptoms or none at all. When in doubt, always consult your pediatrician.
Expert Insight: As Dr. Sumitra says, 'Fed is best. Formula is a completely valid choice and provides excellent nutrition.'
A: Haan, bilkul normal hai! Many babies become irritable and refuse feeds for 12-24 hours after vaccination. This is temporary. Keep offering breast milk or formula doodh frequently - even if baby takes smaller amounts more often. If baby refuses both breast and bottle for more than 8 hours, contact your pediatrician.
A: Yes, absolutely. If your baby is not latching well due to fussiness, you can offer expressed breastmilk or formula (NAN Pro, Lactogen) from a bottle. Hydration is important, especially if baby has fever. Mixed feeding is perfectly fine during recovery.
A: Pediatricians generally recommend not giving paracetamol (Calpol) preventively before vaccination. Fever is a sign the immune system is responding, and suppressing it may reduce vaccine effectiveness. Give medicine only if fever goes above 102°F or baby seems very uncomfortable.
A: A small, firm lump at the injection site is common and normal. It may last for a few weeks but will gradually disappear. This is not dangerous. However, if the lump grows larger, becomes very painful, or shows signs of infection (pus, spreading redness), consult your doctor.
A: Yes, you can give a normal bath. Use lukewarm water (na zyada garam, na thanda). Bathing can actually help soothe a fussy baby. Just avoid scrubbing the injection site.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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