Vaccine Reactions

Important

• Ibuprofen is not safe for children less than 6 months of age
• Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) can be given every 4 hours
• Ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin or Advil) can be given every 6 hours
• Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are equally effective

Normal Side Effects of Vaccines

The following are normal side effects of vaccines. They are temporary and do not cause permanent damage.

• Fever
  • Temperature over 100.4F in the first 72 hours after the vaccines
  • Fever is not dangerous
  • Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) can be given every 4 hours
  • Ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin or Advil) can be given every 6 hours
  • For comfort, you can also try warm baths, skin-to-skin time, and feeding
  • There is no need to dress your baby differently
• Fussiness/Crying
  • In the first 72 hours after the vaccines
  • Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) can be given every 4 hours
  • Ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin or Advil) can be given every 6 hours
  • For comfort, you can also try warm baths, skin-to-skin time, and feeding
• Extra Sleepy
  • In the first 72 hours after the vaccines
  • This is your baby’s natural response to pain
  • Acetaminophen (e.g.Tylenol) can be given every 4 hours
  • Ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin or Advil) can be given every 6 hours
• Not Feeding as Well
  • In the first 72 hours after the vaccines
  • Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) can be given every 4 hours
  • Ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin or Advil) can be given every 6 hours
• Redness at the Injection Site
  • May last up to 4 days
  • More likely with each successive round of vaccines
  • Warm compress, warm bath, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen may soothe any discomfort
• Lump Under the Skin at the Injection Site
  • Due to bleeding under the skin
  • May take several weeks to resolve, but the lump will not be permanent

Contact Modern Pediatrics If:

• Fever lasts more than 72 hours after the vaccines are given
• Redness at the injection site is spreading
• More than 8 hours without a wet diaper
• Crying inconsolably for more than 2 hours in a row, and you’ve already tried the pain control measures mentioned above
• Something else not mentioned above is alarming you

Weight-Based Dosing Table