What to Expect After Vaccination and How to Cope
A vaccine works by teaching your child's body how to recognise and fight a particular disease, without the child having to catch that disease first. To build this protection, the immune system gets busy, and that activity can sometimes show up as mild, short-term symptoms. Far from being a bad sign, these reactions are usually proof that the vaccine is working. What to Expect in the Hours and Days After Every child responds a little differently, but here are the reactions parents and caregivers report most often: At the injection site : Some soreness, redness, swelling, or a small hard lump where the needle went in. This is one of the most common reactions and typically passes within a couple of days without needing any treatment. Mild fever : A slight temperature rise is common as the body responds to the vaccine. It's usually short-lived. Fussiness or unsettled sleep : Your baby may be more unsettled or sleepy than usual after their shots. Older children might seem clingy, t...
