According to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, vaccines have reduced or eliminated many of the diseases that once killed or disabled people in the past. However, vaccines are not without some risks. To ensure your child's safety, pediatricians recommend that you observe your child for the first 72 hours after a vaccination. Most of the common symptoms from vaccinations are minor and go away quickly.
Pain
Pain and discomfort will occur from the needle used to inject the vaccine. The National Vaccine Information Center reports that your child can suffer from swelling, redness and pain around the injection site. If you notice that your young child is fussy or tearful it is often due to the soreness of the injection site. Your physician may recommend giving your child some over-the-counter pain relieving medication.
Fever
When your child receives vaccinations, he or she will likely suffer from a mild fever. The fever occurs because your child's immune system is reacting to the vaccine. This is a normal body process and is to be expected. The Immunization Action Coalition reports that if your child has a mild fever, you should give him plenty of fluids, dress him lightly and give him a fever-reducing medication such as Ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Hives or Rash
Some children or infants suffer from hives or a rash on their bodies. Itching on the rash or around the injection site may occur. This can be uncomfortable for children and your physician may suggest that you treat your child with an antihistamine such as Benadryl to relieve the itching.
Emotional Upset
The pain from the vaccine itself will cause emotional upset for your child. She may be fussy or cry. Some children may be inconsolable. In fact, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia reports that the pertussis vaccine causes inconsolable crying. Letting your child know that you are there, holding and consoling him, is important. It is also essential to reassure your child that the "ouch" or needle stick will be over quickly. If your child is old enough to understand what vaccines are, explain how the vaccine can help prevent disease from making him ill. This helps some children understand why the pain is necessary.
Prevention and Treatment
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, scientists use the highest standards of safety when developing vaccines. The government has a safety reporting system called Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System to keep track of any adverse reaction a vaccination causes. This helps to prevent your child from receiving any vaccine that might be harmful. Treat your child with an ice pack for the pain at the injection site. This will help to relieve any discomfort your child feels.
