Vaccine Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

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Will my child have a reaction?

Vaccines are very safe. There are rarely reasons to not get vaccinated. Sometimes a child might have a minor reaction to the shot. Most reactions subside in 24-48 hours. If you have any concerns talk to your doctor. Here are some things to look for:

• With any vaccine, there may be some redness, swelling or pain at the place where the needle was given.  To help deal with any pain or soreness, adults can take Tylenol™ and children can take Tylenol™ or Tempra™ (acetaminophen) before or after they get vaccinated.
• Some children may have a fever after a vaccine.
• If your child is very sick when it's time for a vaccine, talk to your doctor. They may decide it's best to delay giving the shot until your child is healthier.

With any medicine, there is always a small chance that someone might have a severe reaction. For this reason, a nurse or doctor will need to watch your child for 15 - 30 minutes (depending on the vaccine) after you have a vaccine.  It is important that you stay in the clinic for that period of time and watch for signs of an allergic reaction such as breathing problems or severe swelling and blotchy skin on your child's body or around the mouth,   If you see any of these symptoms or are concern about your child's status, talk to your doctor or nurse immediately.

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