How to Care for Your Child Post Vaccination

This leaflet will provide you with information about post vaccination advice, symptoms, treatment, and home care advice.

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Post Vaccination

Why should I get my child vaccinated?

Vaccines can prevent certain serious infections. Most of the vaccines are given in childhood.  
They are a way of teaching your child’s body how to know and fight the germs that cause infections.

Vaccines usually come in shots, but some come in medicines for your child to swallow.

What to expect after vaccination given to your child?

  • Vaccines are safe and often do not cause Complications.
  • Some side effects may occur within 1 to 2 days after vaccination, they can also occur 1 to 2 weeks after certain vaccines. These side effects mean that their immune system (infection-fighting system) is responding to the vaccine.

What are the side effects after vaccination?

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Soreness at the site of injection
  • Fever.
  • Skin rash.
  • Fussiness.
  • Allergic reaction – this is very rare.                

How to treat side effects after vaccination?

Mild reactions usually go away on their own. There are also things you can do to help your child's pain:

  • Feed your baby or give a pacifier.
  • Swaddle, hold, or gently rock your baby.
  • Give pain-relieving medicine based on your doctor's instructions.                

Home care advice  

  • Hold and cuddle your child.
  • Make sure your child is not wearing too many layers of clothes, do not cover with blankets during high fever
  • If your doctor advises to give medicine, you can give:
    • Paracetamol (any brand) or Ibuprofen (any brand)   
    • Follow the instruction on the medicine package for the correct dose for your child.
    • Do not give your child Aspirin as this can cause serious complications.
  • Ensure your child drink and take adequate fluid to keep him well hydrated such as breast milk, water, formula milk
  • Use a cool, damp cloth at the injection site to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Observe your child for a few days, seek help if you are concerned.                        

When should I seek medical advice?

Seek medical advice if your child:

  • If your child has increasing pain, redness and swelling at injection site for more than 3 days.
  • Fever lasts more than 3 days
  • Child is fussy for more than 3 days.

Go to the Emergency Department if your child is Experiencing symptoms or signs of a serious allergic reaction like:    

  • Trouble breathing or swallowing.
  • Hives, flushing and swelling of the face or drooling.
  • Behavioral changes, such as: irritability, crying that doesn’t stop, sudden quietness or sleepiness
  • Vomiting, including persistent vomiting
  • If your child appears to be very weak