It is natural to panic if your baby develops a fever after vaccination. This is not any harsh side-effect; instead, a slight increased temperature indicates that their body is working effectively and responding well to the vaccine.
But How Does a Vaccine Actually Work?
Once the dose of vaccine is injected into the baby, their immune system starts to work. Vaccines mimic the character of infection or diseases, and this triggers the responsive nature of the immune system, as these germs are unknown to the active immune system. Once the system recognises the bacteria, it stimulates the production of antibodies to fight against the issue. Not only this time, but in the future, if the body identifies similar germs or bacteria, the immune system actively responds to them and minimises the risk. And this happens because the immune system creates memory cells.
Why Does Fever Happen After Vaccination?
Fever is a temporary side effect of vaccination, and it indicates that the immune system is actively working and responding to the vaccine. When the body indicates a threat or foreign component, the immune system stimulates, fights, and defends against the infection, and this increases the body’s temperature, because the body’s natural chemicals, such as cytokines, get active.
But if the fever rises above 1.2 degrees Faranheit, then it is time to visit a doctor.
Which Vaccines Are Most Likely To Cause Fever?
Here is the list of vaccines that are known to cause fever symptoms-
- Influenza
- Pneumococcal conjugate
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)DTP/ DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
- Sometimes, a combination of vaccines can also cause fever, as the immune system starts to fight against several elements at once.
Some Myths That Every Parent Should Know
- If a fever occurs, that means the vaccine is reacting negatively.
Many parents thought the same, and this is because of a lack of awareness related to the normal and allergic symptoms. It is just that the body is responding to the foreign component. - Fever means that the child is sick with a disease.
The body is responding and preparing to fight against the real disease. And while building these protective antibodies, fever happens in most of the children. - Paracetamol can be given to ease the discomfort.
Although PCM is most commonly and widely chosen by parents, post-vaccine, it is better to consult with the doctor and then give it to your child. Taking safety is the safest choice you can make for your child.
How To Comfort Your Child At Home?
Even adults feel sick or fall ill after vaccines, so these are just children, and they need your attention more. Here are some simple tricks to offer comfort-
- Make sure to feed them in small intervals and avoid giving them fast food.
- Hydrate them with juice, fruits, or milk if they breastfeed.
- Check their temperature regularly.
- Dress them in breathable clothes, because tight or fitted clothes can cause discomfort.
- Let them take a proper nap.
- Bathe your child with lukewarm water, and for the swelling, with a warm cloth, as this will help to reduce the swelling on injected area.
- If you are thinking about giving medicine, then make sure to talk to the doctor and give them the doctor-recommended dose.
When To Call A Pediatrician?
Post-vaccination fever is good, so don’t worry. But if you start noticing some symptoms, then take them to the doctor. The symptoms are-
- High fever more than 101.
- Fever lasting more than 3 days.
- Extreme drowsiness
- Unable to drink or eat anything, or they puke every time you feed them.
- Constipation or diarrhea.
- Swelling or extreme redness in the injected area.
Can a Vaccine Cause Serious Side Effects?
The possibility is very low, but if your child is allergic to specific ingredients, this might happen. But with prompt intervention and care, it can be fully treated.
The symptoms start to show within 15 to 30 minutes of vaccination. But sometimes, it can take several hours to show the signs. Itching, swelling, flushing, shortness of breath, vomiting, cramps, fainting, and dizziness are some of the signs.
Anaphylaxis is one of the extreme and rare allergic reactions to vaccines, and it happen 1.31 to 2 cases per million children. It is when a child has a history of allergy (or has a family history), or they had anaphylaxis. These children are at higher risk of being impacted by the vaccine. As per the CDC, healthcare professionals don’t give the vaccine to children who have known allergies, because anaphylaxis can become a life-threatening situation.
But due to this fear, don’t skip the vaccine, because it puts your child at risk of getting infected by the disease. And if you are concerned about a certain vaccine or want to ensure that your child is healthy, then it is best to communicate your fears with a doctor. Cradle Children’s Hospital ensures that every child lives a healthy life.
FAQ’s
How long does a fever last?
Mostly, vaccine fever lasts 1 or 2 days, but some vaccines, like MMR, can cause fever after 5 to 10 days of the injection, but there is nothing to worry about.
My baby is sleeping more after the vaccination. Is this normal?
Yes, this is completely normal as their immune system is working effectively, which can cause them to feel a little tired.
What is better, icing or a hot patch on the injection site?
For injection, an icing patch is considered more appropriate to reduce swelling, pain, and numbness. And doctors recommend putting that within 24 hours of vaccination.
Is it possible that a baby gets seizures due to vaccine fever?
The possibility of triggering febrile seizures in some children who are prone to them. And if you are a child and get any symptoms of that, take them to the doctor.
What if the fever keeps coming up? Then what needs to be done?
Even after 3 or 4 days, the fever is coming up, then take your child to the expert. Cradle Children Hospital recommends parents not delay in seeking medical attention if they notice anything unusual.
Conclusion
Panicking is not the solution; as a parent, you need to understand that fever is a sign that your baby’s immune system is actively responding to foreign agents. Mild fever, slight swelling, and temporary fussiness are common signs and settle within a couple of days. Make sure to monitor their health, keep them hydrated, and take guidance from an expert like Cradle Children’s Hospital to manage the symptoms at home.
Remember this: vaccination is the safest way to keep your child healthy and protected from life-threatening diseases. This short-term discomfort offers long-term protection. Moreover, if you have a query or doubt, make sure to contact a professional.
Contact us today, because nothing is more important than your child’s health.
