What is a normal reaction I can expect my child to have after getting vaccinated?
Children will often get a low grade fever after receiving their shots. They can also have some redness, warmth, and soreness at the area where they got the shots. Some children will be fatigued, lose their appetite, or want to sleep more after their shots, just like they would if they were to be sick. This is normal. This is their immune system working to make antibodies to the vaccine. Antibodies are what protect your child from the bacteria or virus that was in the shot. Make sure you keep your child hydrated and give them plenty of hugs and love while they’re feeling under the weather. They will feel better soon.
Is it okay for my child to get more than one vaccine at a time
Absolutely! Vaccines are often given in combination. The recommended combined vaccines have been given to hundreds of thousands of children and are proven to be safe in combination. Your child will most likely have a low grade fever and feel a little under the weather for 24-48 hours after receiving any shot or a combination of shots.
Should I space my vaccines out so my child’s immune system isn’t overwhelmed?
The vaccine schedule recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention is made that way to provide your child with the best coverage by their vaccines. It is not recommended that you space out the vaccines or use alternative vaccine schedules because your child’s protection from diseases is limited when you do this. By vaccinating your child on time and completely, you are providing them with the best protection from sicknesses and diseases.
Should I give my child medicine to prevent her from feeling bad before I get her vaccinated?
No. Giving acetaminophen or ibuprofen prior to vaccinating your child can reduce the immune response of your child causing them to have less protection from the vaccines they received that day. It is always better not to pre-treat your child with medication prior to getting shots.
What if my child gets a fever or feels uncomfortable after getting shots?
If your child gets a fever or becomes very uncomfortable after getting shots, it is okay to give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen. You should never give ibuprofen to infants less than 6 months of age or acetaminophen to infants less than 3 months without talking to your doctor. Give the appropriate dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on your child’s weight.
How much acetaminophen (Tylenol) should I give my child if they get a fever?
| Weight | Dosage (mg) | Infant’s Acetaminophen Oral Suspension (160mg/5mL) | Children’s Acetaminophen Suspension Liquid (160mg/5mL) | Tylenol Chewable Tablets (80mg/tablet) |
| 6-11 lbs | 40mg | 1.25ml | N/A | N/A |
| 12-17 lbs | 80mg | 2.5ml | ½ tsp | N/A |
| 18-23 lbs | 120mg | 3.75ml | ¾ tsp | N/A |
| 24-29 lbs | 160mg | 5ml | 1 tsp | 2 tablets |
| 30-35 lbs | 200mg | 6.25ml (=5ml+1.25ml) | 1 ¼ tsp | 2 ½ tablets |
| 36lb-41lbs | 240mg | 7.5ml (=5ml+2.5ml) | 1 ½ tsp | 3 tablets |
How much ibuprofen (Motrin) should I give my child if they get a fever?
| Weight | Dosage (mg) | Infant Ibuprofen Drops (50mg/1.25mL) | Ibuprofen Liquid
(100mg/5mL) |
Ibuprofen Chewable Tablets (50mg/tablet) |
| 6-11 lbs* | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 12-17 lbs | 50mg | 1.25ml | 2.5ml | N/A |
| 18-23 lbs | 75mg | 1.875ml | 4ml | N/A |
| 24-35lbs | 100mg | 2.5ml | 5ml | 2 tablets |
| 36-47 lbs | 150mg | 3.75ml | 7.5ml | 3 tablets |
*Do NOT given Ibuprofen to infants less than 6 months of age
How can I prepare my child for shots?
The CDC has great information on ways to prepare you child for their shots. Click here to learn more.
What is the best way to help hold my child while they are getting shots?
The CDC recommends great ways to help hold your child to make shots easier to administer while also providing comfort to your child. Click here to learn more.
Can my child still get vaccinated if they are sick?
If your child is only experiencing a mild illness, they may still be able to get their shots. Learn more on the CDC’s website.
Can vaccines cause my child to get sick or give them the flu?
Vaccines cannot make children sick. The CDC explains this further here.
Where can I learn more about the diseases that vaccines prevent?
Check out this quick fact sheet about diseases that vaccines prevent or visit the CDC website for more information about each disease by clicking on the links below.
I have more questions about vaccines. Where do I go from here?
The CDC has great resources about vaccines. Click here to learn more. If you still have questions after looking here, reach out to your child’s doctor. They’ll be happy to answer your questions and talk to you about any questions you have regarding your child, their health, and ways to keep them healthy and prevent them from getting sick.
