Fever After a Vaccine: How to Care for Your Child
Your child developed a fever after getting a vaccine. This is common and usually is not a cause for worry. Most fevers will go away in 1 or 2 days. Rest and medicine often help kids with fever feel better.
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You can give medicine for fever if your health care provider says it's OK. Use these medicines exactly as directed:
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acetaminophen (such as Tylenol® or a store brand)
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OR
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ibuprofen (such as Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Do not give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old.
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Don't give aspirin to your child. It could lead to serious medical problems.
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Let your child rest if they seem tired.
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Let your child eat and drink as usual.
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Your child's fever gets higher or does not get better after 2 days.
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Your child develops other symptoms, such as a cough, runny nose, headache, vomiting, or diarrhea.
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Your child develops a rash.
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There is redness, swelling, or pus where the vaccine was given.
Your child:
What causes fever after a vaccine? Vaccines are made to imitate an infection. Some vaccines contain small amounts of weakened or killed germs. Some newer vaccines give instructions for cells to make a harmless protein that the body's immune system responds to. When a child gets a vaccine, the body starts making antibodies (germ-fighting proteins). The antibodies help protect the child from future illness caused by the germ in the vaccine. Fever after a vaccine is a sign that the child's immune system is responding to the vaccine.
Is my child allergic to the vaccine? No. Fever can be normal after receiving a vaccine. It is not a sign that your child is allergic.
Is it safe for my child to get vaccines in the future? Yes. Your child should continue to get all vaccines recommended by your health care provider. This is one of the best ways to help protect your child from getting a contagious disease.