What to do following vaccination reactions

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If your child experiences post-vaccination fever, you could give him/her a medicine that reduces temperature, such as liquid paracetamol. Calpol ® Infant Suspension is a sugar free liquid paracetamol suitable for infants from 2 months.

For vaccinations that are given to children aged 3 months and over the makers of Calpol ® now offer parents a choice. You can choose to treat your child's pain and fever with paracetamol (e.g Calpol ®) as before or with ibuprofen (e.g. Provin). Provin Oral Suspension is from the makers of Calpol ® and contains ibuprofen. Like Calpol ® Infant Suspension it has a pleasant strawberry flavour. It is sugar/colour free and provides up to 8 hours of relief.

Common reactions to vaccinations What to do
Soreness, swelling and redness in the area where the injection was given
  • Give paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve aches and pains
  • Make sure clothes are not too tight or rubbing against the area where the injection was given
Fever
  • Remove a layer of your child's clothing
  • Keep the room cool
  • Encourage your child to drink plenty of water
  • Give paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever
If your child's temperature remains high after 24 hours, you should seek medical advice.
Headache
  • Give paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve the pain

download the "A useful guide to children's vaccination" leaflet