Immunization

After the Immunizations

Some fussiness after immunizations can be normal, as can some minor reactions like redness or swelling. The information below will help you know how to best take care of your child after immunizations.

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Comfort Measures

• Comfort your Child Before, During, and After Shots -California Department of Health (Exit Site)

• After the Shots- If Your Child Needs Comfort Immunization Action Coalition (Exit Site)
  

 

Reporting Reactions

After your child is vaccinated, look for any unusual conditions, such as a serious allergic reaction, high fever or behavior changes. Signs of a serious allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness, and swelling of the throat.

 

In the event of a reaction, call your pediatrician. If your child is having a severe reaction, you should seek immediate medical attention. After any reaction, tell your pediatrician what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given.

 

Ask your pediatrician, nurse, or health department to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form, or report to VAERS yourself. (Exit Site)

 

 

Vaccine Injuries

Vaccine administrators and other health care providers should be mindful of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, a "no fault" Federal program that can provide significant funding to children and adults seriously injured by certain vaccines. Click here for a "table" of the specific vaccines and the injuries that may be compensated. Under certain circumstances, other injuries may also be compensated. Although you do not need an attorney to file a petition for compensation, the program provides for payment of legal expenses at no cost to the injured party. Click here for basic information on the program. (Exit Site)

Anna's Story

Anna Lincoln, MD, FAAP, is a pediatrician in Buda, Texas, and a mother of three. Her first-born son, Wiley, became dangerously ill with pneumococcal meningitis when he was a baby.

 

 

Last Updated: 3/18/2013