IMMUNIZATION SIDE EFFECTS AND TREATMENT

DtaP: Mild reactions include minor pain at the site of the injection, fussiness and decreased appetite. Moderate to severe reactions are rare and include a fever of 105 degrees or higher, seizures or continuous crying lasting 3 hours or more. Fevers associated with the vaccine are rare but may last up to 2 days.

HIB: Side effects are rare but may include minor pain at the site of the injection and fever.

IPV: Side effects are rare but may include minor pain at the site of the injection.

Hep B: Side effects are rare but may include minor pain at the site of the injection, fever.

Prevnar: Side effects are rare but may include fever, fussiness, decreased appetite, vomiting or diarrhea.

MMR: Side effects are rare but may include pain at the time of the injection, a rash 1-2 weeks after the first dose lasting 1-2 days, swelling of the glands, fever, stiffness or seizures.

Varivax: Side effects are rare but may include minor pain at the site of the injection, fever, a mild rash up to one month after vaccination, or seizure. In the event of a rash the child may be contagious to others who are immunocompromised; do not give aspirin for fever.

Hep A: (when indicated): Side effects are rare but may include minor pain at the site of the injection, headache, and tiredness.

Treatment of Reactions:

The most common side effects from vaccines are fever and irritability for 1-2 days. Acetaminophen drops may be given every 4 hours to reduce these symptoms. Dosages are listed to the right.

If the injection site is red and swollen apply a cool compress to the site for 15 minutes several times a day for the first day.A warm compress applied several times the second day will help reduce any swelling.

Treatment of Severe Reactions:

Any unusual condition, such as high fever of 105 degrees or more, seizures, or difficulty breathing needs to be reported. Call the office at 733-5437 or call 911. Tell your practitioner what happened, the date and time it happened and when the vaccination was given.

Acetaminophen
Weight / Drops
6-11 pounds / 0.4 ml
11-17 pounds / 0.8 ml
18-23 pounds / 1.2 ml

Remember that sometimes the best medicine is love, attention and understanding.

How can I learn more?
Call your local or state health department’s immunization program.
Contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention:
1-800-232-2522 or
1-800-232-0233 for Spanish
Visit the National Immunization Program’s Website at:
http://www.cdc.gov.nip