Please continue to take your baby for their vaccines at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 13 months of age. Phone your GP to make an appointment.
What common reactions can my child get after being vaccinated and what should I do?
| Common reaction |
What to do |
| At 2 and 4 months (Visits 1 and 2) |
|
| A fever is common after MenB vaccine |
- Give liquid infant paracetamol
1. Give 2.5 mls (60 mg) at the time of the immunisation or shortly after.
2. Give a second dose of 2.5 mls (60 mg) 4 to 6 hours after the first dose.
3. Give a third dose of 2.5 mls (60 mg) 4 to 6 hours after the second dose.
4. Give a fourth dose 4-6 hours after the third dose if your baby still has a fever. |
| Soreness, swelling and redness in the area where the injection was given |
Make sure clothes are not too tight or rubbing against the area where the injection was given |
| Mild diarrhoea after the rotavirus vaccine |
- Give extra milk to drink
- Wash your hands carefully after changing and disposing of your baby’s nappy.
|
| At 6, 12 and 13 months (Visits 3, 4 and 5) |
|
| 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 (over 39˚C) |
- Do not overdress your baby
- Make sure their room isn’t too hot
- Give extra fluids to drink
- Give paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower the fever
|
| Headache or irritability |
- Give paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve aches and pains.
|
If your child received the MMR vaccine they may get a rash 6-10 days later (mini measles). This is not contagious.
Remember, if your baby is very unwell after getting a vaccine, they may be sick for some other reason. If you are worried about your baby, please contact your GP (doctor), practice nurse or public health nurse for further advice.
This page was updated on 27 March 2020.
