Dr. Murali Gopal
Senior Paediatrician & Paediatric Pulmonologist
MCR: 57489
MBBS, DCH(UK), MRCPCH(UK), FRCPCH(UK), CCT Paediatrics (UK), Fellow in Paediatric Pulmonology (Aus), Allergology (Ind)
Mild symptoms after vaccination are common and usually settle. Serious reactions are uncommon, but they need urgent attention when they occur.
Common expected symptoms
- Mild fever.
- Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
- Irritability, tiredness, sleepiness, or reduced appetite.
- A child wanting extra comfort or rest for a short period.
Comfort measures
- Offer fluids and allow rest.
- Continue feeding as tolerated.
- Keep the child comfortably dressed.
- Use a cool cloth or cool compress for local soreness or swelling if helpful.
- If medicine is needed for comfort, use it only as advised by your child's doctor or according to the product label or clinician guidance. This guide does not provide medicine dosing advice and does not advise routine medicine before vaccines.
When to seek medical advice
Seek urgent medical care after vaccination if any of these occur:
- Breathing difficulty, wheeze, collapse, or severe weakness.
- Facial, lip, tongue, or throat swelling.
- Widespread hives or rapidly spreading rash.
- Persistent inconsolable crying or the child seems in severe pain.
- Unusually drowsy, floppy, confused, or not responding normally.
- Seizure.
- Any reaction that causes high concern for the parent.
Important facts for parents
- Mild fever or soreness does not usually mean the vaccine was harmful.
- Take a photo of any significant rash or swelling if it is safe to do so and show the doctor.
- Tell the vaccinating clinic about any serious reaction before future vaccines.
- This guide is not a home-management plan for severe reactions and does not replace urgent medical assessment.
Medical disclaimer
General education only This guide is parent education only. It does not replace medical assessment, urgent care, medicine advice, or individualized treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.
References
- World Health Organization. Vaccine safety and immunization resources.
- American Academy of Pediatrics / HealthyChildren.org immunization resources.
- Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. Kids Health Info immunisation resources.
- Indian Academy of Pediatrics / ACVIP immunization resources.
Last reviewed: 31 May 2026. Status: published, clinician reviewed.
Medical review and references
Scan to open the latest online version