Public Information - Side Effects
These are common reactions to your child receiving immunizations:
- Fever up to 103° F
- Fussiness or sleepiness
- Loss of appetite
- Shot area may be swollen, red, sore, warm to the touch or a hard lump might be felt
- These symptoms last 24 to 48 hours
Treatment for these reactions:
- Cold damp (not wet) cloth over shot area for 15 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for the first 24 hours
- If area is unchanged after 24 hours, a warm damp cloth over the area for 15 minutes every
3 to 4 hours - Encourage the child to gently exercise the arm or leg that received the shot
- Give non-aspirin medication for age and weight according to the bottle instructions or contact your physician. Offer extra liquids like water or fruit juices.
If these reactions occur, call the doctor
- Fever over 103° F that does not come down with medication
- Continuous crying for 3 or more hours
- An unusual high pitched cry
- Seizure or convulsion