Parents don’t take their kids to the pediatrician's office for vaccination shots because they enjoy watching them get jabbed with needles. They do it because they know the consequences of diseases like diphtheria, whooping cough, polio, meningitis, mumps, measles and rubella can be disastrous.
When a child is vaccinated, a weakened or dead form of the disease causing organism is injected into the body. These organisms won’t give your child the actual disease. Instead, they'll help your tyke's body produce the antibodies needed to prevent or lessen the impact of the diseases if she is ever exposed to them.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that most of the side effects experienced from vaccinations are minor and may include fever, soreness, redness, pain and fussiness. Don't stand by and watch your child suffering with post-immunization discomfort. Use these tips to help.
A Cool Washcloth for Swelling and Redness
The needle stick combined with the body making antibodies can lead to redness, swelling and soreness. Placing a cool, clean washcloth on the affected area will help soothe your tyke’s discomfort.
Acetaminophen for Fever, Pain and Fussiness
It’s common for a child to have a little pain and a low grade fever after vaccination shots. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. The March of Dimes suggests these symptoms are a sign that a child’s immune system is learning to fight off infections. However, when a young child experiences pain and fever, she may be a bit fussy. Tackle all these symptoms at once by giving your child acetaminophen.
To prevent an accidental overdose, follow dosing instructions carefully and never give your child acetaminophen that’s formulated for adults. Overdosing on acetaminophen can cause:
- kidney and liver failure
- abdominal pain
- coma
- seizures
- ulcers
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea
- yellow skin and eyes
- death
If your child is taking prescription medicines to manage health conditions, talk to her pediatrician before giving her acetaminophen.
Other Ways to Manage a Fever Brought on By Vaccinations
- dress your child in light clothing
- don’t cover your child up with blankets
- give plenty of cool liquids
- give your child a tepid bath
- keep the temperature in the room cool
Serious side effects from vaccines are rare. However, in some kids, vaccination shots can cause seizures, coma, lowered consciousness, permanent brain damage and serious allergic reactions. If your tyke cries nonstop, is acting abnormally, has a rectal temperature of 105 degrees or more, has limp limbs, or is trembling or shaking, contact a doctor immediately.
References:
Centers for Disease and Prevention: Possible Side Effects from Vaccines
March of Dimes: Your Baby’s Shots
American Academy of Pediatrics: Facts for Parents About Vaccine Safety
Charlina Stewart - Charlina has dedicated more than a decade of her life making a positive difference in the lives of children. During her time as an early ...
