Should a child with an intercurrent illness be vaccinated?
A child with a minor illness (without systemic illness and with a temperature below 38.5C) may be safely vaccinated. Infants and children with minor coughs and colds without fever, or those receiving antibiotics in the recovery phase of an acute illness can be vaccinated safely and effectively. In a child with a major illness or high fever ≥38.5C, vaccination should be postponed until the child is well. If vaccination were to be carried out during such an illness, the fever might be confused with vaccine side effects and might also increase discomfort to the child. In such cases, it is advisable to defer vaccination and arrange for the child to return for vaccination when well again.
