What are some possible side-effects from vaccination?
Local reactions (swelling, redness, and soreness) where the shot was given can happen. Usually this can be relieved with a cool wet cloth and/or a non-aspirin pain medication such as Tylenol. Call your healthcare provider for the right dosage for your child. Encouraging your child to move the arm and/or leg where the shot was given (exercise) is also helpful in preventing stiffness that can sometimes happen after getting a shot. Other reactions (fever, rash, joint aches and stiffness) are less common. These types of reactions may not be seen until 10-14 days after getting a shot. A non-aspirin pain reliever is helpful in reducing the fever and stiffness. An anaphylactic reaction is very rare. Difficulty breathing, wheezing, and pallor are signs of this type of reaction, and it is most often the result of an allergy to the vaccine or vaccine component.
