Madison Clarke
Vaccines are one of the safest ways to protect your child from serious diseases. However, they can sometimes cause mild side effects, including fever. Fever is one of the most common side effects of vaccination, occurring in up to 20% of children. It is a normal part of the immune response, indicating that the child's body is building immunity. While fever after vaccination is typically harmless, it can be concerning for parents, especially if their baby develops a high fever. In this article, we will discuss what to do if your baby gets a fever after vaccination, including when to seek medical advice and how to manage the fever at home.
What to do if your baby gets a fever after vaccination
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fever medication | Do not give fever medicine to a baby before they have been examined by a doctor. In most cases, medication is not required unless the child is extremely uncomfortable. |
| Reassurance | Fevers are a normal part of the immune response. They are evidence that the child's immune system is responding to the vaccine and building immunity. |
| Timing | Fevers usually occur within a week of vaccination, but this varies depending on the type of vaccine. |
| Prevalence | Fevers are one of the most common side effects of vaccination. |
| Treatment | Give the baby plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and reduce fever. Dress them in normal clothing and use a blanket if they have chills. You can also apply a lukewarm sponge or cool wet cloth to the baby's body. |
| Pain relief | Ask your doctor about giving the baby a non-aspirin pain reliever. |
| Serious symptoms | If the baby has a very high fever, sustained crying, seizures, an allergic reaction, or changes in behaviour, contact your doctor or pediatrician immediately. |
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What You'll Learn
Fevers are a normal immune response to vaccines
Fevers are one of the most common side effects of vaccination. Fevers are often associated with illnesses, so it is understandable that parents may worry when their child develops a fever after vaccination. However, fevers are a normal and important part of the body's immune response.
A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal. Most people have a normal body temperature of around 98.6°F (37°C), but baseline body temperatures vary between individuals and throughout the day. Fevers make the body a less welcoming host for germs, limiting their ability to reproduce. Higher temperatures also activate the signalling chemicals that guide immune responses.
The presence of a fever after vaccination indicates that the child's immune system is responding to the vaccine and building immunity against the targeted virus or bacteria. This is why vaccines are sometimes associated with detectable symptoms, like a mild fever. A fever is also not always a negative indicator of health; even high fevers are a normal and important part of the immune response.
Most fevers occur within a week of vaccination, but the timing depends on the type of vaccine. For example, the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine usually causes a fever 1-2 days after vaccination, lasting 1 day in 10-20 out of 100 vaccine recipients when given as a booster dose. Fevers may also be more likely to occur after later doses, as some vaccines require multiple doses to be effective.
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How to reduce a fever: sponge bath, cool fluids, and pain relievers
It is common for babies and children to develop a mild fever after getting vaccinated, which usually goes away after a day. Fevers in newborns can indicate a serious infection, so it is important to seek medical advice if your baby is younger than 3 months old. For older babies, observe their behaviour and contact your doctor if you are concerned or unsure about what to do.
If your baby has a fever, there are a few ways to help them feel more comfortable:
Sponge Bath
Lukewarm sponge baths are generally not recommended to lower a fever as they can make children uncomfortable from shivering. Instead, keep the room at a comfortable temperature and dress your baby in lightweight clothing with a light sheet or blanket.
Cool Fluids
Offer your baby plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration. Fevers cause children to lose fluids faster than usual through sweating, so it is important to encourage them to drink a little extra.
Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter children's pain and fever relief products are available without a prescription. However, it is always best to consult your doctor or pediatrician before giving your baby any medication for the first time. They can advise you on the safest option for your child and the correct dosage based on their age and weight. Infant fever reducers typically come in the form of concentrated drops administered with a medicine dropper. Some recommended options include:
- Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol or a store brand)
- Ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, Motrin, or a store brand) - not suitable for children under 6 months old
- Infant Tylenol Dye-Free Simple Measure Acetaminophen Oral Suspension
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Febrile seizures are rare but not harmful in the long term
Although febrile seizures can occur after vaccination, they are rare. Vaccines can cause fevers, which is one of the most common side effects. Fevers typically occur within a week of vaccination, and their occurrence varies depending on how the vaccine is made. Fevers are a normal part of the immune response, indicating that the child's body is building immunity against the targeted virus or bacteria.
Febrile seizures are frightening events, but they do not result in long-term harm. Studies have shown that less than 7% of febrile seizures in children under 6 years of age are caused by vaccinations. These seizures are not different from those caused by infections in terms of duration, the likelihood of recurrence within 24 hours, the need for ICU admission, hospital stay duration, or the requirement for anti-seizure medications.
The risk of febrile seizures is slightly elevated during the 5 to 12 days after a child's first vaccination with the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. The risk is marginally higher with the measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (MMRV) combination vaccine, but it is still small. There is also a small increased risk when the inactivated influenza vaccine (flu shot) is administered simultaneously with the PCV13 (pneumococcal) or DTaP vaccine. However, the overall risk of febrile seizures with any combination of these vaccines is minimal, and health authorities continue to recommend vaccinating children according to the schedule.
If your child experiences a febrile seizure, it is important to remain calm and know that it will likely pass without causing any permanent harm. However, it is advisable to report the episode to your healthcare provider and seek their guidance.
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Consult a doctor for medication and serious symptoms
While fever is a common side effect of vaccination, if your baby has a fever after receiving a vaccine, it is important to monitor them closely and, in some cases, consult a doctor. Here are some guidelines on when to seek medical attention:
Medications
It is generally not recommended to give fever-reducing medications prior to or immediately after vaccination, as this may decrease your child's immune response to the vaccine. However, if your baby's fever is higher than 102°F (39°C), medication may be appropriate to help manage their discomfort. In such cases, acetaminophen can be given. It is important not to give aspirin to children, as it may increase the risk of Reye syndrome, a rare but serious brain disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before administering any medication to your baby.
Serious Symptoms
While fever after vaccination is typically harmless, there are some rare but serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention. Consult a doctor or seek emergency care if your baby experiences any of the following:
- Febrile seizures: These are scary but generally do not result in long-lasting effects. However, they should still be reported to your child's healthcare provider and monitored closely.
- Severe allergic reactions: While rare, severe allergic reactions can occur after vaccination. Signs may include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, rash, or anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency.
- Persistent or severe side effects: While most side effects of vaccination are mild and resolve within a day or two, if your baby's symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to consult a doctor. These symptoms may include pain, tenderness, or swelling at the injection site, rash, nausea, dizziness, decreased appetite, or increased sleepiness.
- Dehydration: Fevers can cause fluid loss, so it is important to ensure your baby is well-hydrated. Offer liquids frequently, and if they are reluctant to drink or show signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, decreased urination, or listlessness, consult a doctor.
Remember, it is always better to be cautious and seek medical advice if you are concerned about your baby's health. Your healthcare provider can guide you on the appropriate care and provide reassurance.
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Other common side effects: soreness, fussiness, decreased appetite
It is common for babies to experience soreness, fussiness, and decreased appetite after receiving a vaccination. These side effects are typically mild and resolve within 24 to 48 hours. Here are some ways to manage these specific side effects:
Soreness
Soreness at the injection site is a common occurrence, affecting around 25% of children. It usually starts within the first 12 hours after the shot and can last for 1 to 2 days. The polio vaccine may also cause muscle soreness. To alleviate soreness, you can try gentle massage or a warm compress at the injection site.
Fussiness
Fussiness or irritability is another common side effect of vaccinations. It is often associated with the soreness at the injection site and can make your baby more restless than usual. Fussiness typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours. To help soothe your baby, try providing extra comfort measures such as rocking, singing, or offering a pacifier.
Decreased Appetite
Some babies may experience a decreased appetite after vaccination. This is a normal and temporary reaction, and your baby's appetite should return to normal within a few days. To manage this, offer smaller, more frequent feedings and encourage your baby to eat. If your baby is formula-fed, you can try switching to a different formula temporarily to see if that helps.
It is important to closely monitor your baby after vaccinations and contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or if the side effects persist or worsen.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, fever is one of the most common side effects of vaccination. Fevers are a normal part of the body's immune response, so a fever after vaccination is evidence that your baby's immune system is responding to the vaccine and building immunity. Fevers mainly occur in young children, and they usually occur within a week of vaccination.
You can reduce fever with a lukewarm sponge bath and by encouraging your baby to drink plenty of fluids. Dress your baby in light clothing and do not wrap them in too many blankets or clothes. You can also give your baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen if they have a fever higher than 102° F (39°C). However, do not give your baby any fever medicine before they have been examined by a doctor.
If your baby has a very high fever, you should call your baby's pediatrician right away. A fever higher than 100.4° F (38°C) is considered high for babies under 3 months old, and a fever higher than 101.5° F (38.6°C) is considered high for babies 3 months and older. You should also call the doctor if your baby has any other serious symptoms, such as sustained crying, seizures, an allergic reaction, or changes in behavior.
