Local reactions and management

Occasionally, local reactions to vaccines can occur. These are usually quite mild and easily treated. We have identified some ways that you can help to manage these. In rare cases, a more severe reaction may occur. If at any point you are at all concerned about your child’s reaction to a vaccination, or their general health, contact your doctor or healthcare professional immediately.

Local Reactions	Management
Hepatitis B – Tender at the site of injection, mild fever, nausea, muscle or joint pain	Paracetamol (if required), cool, wet cloth applied to injection site, increase fluids
DTPa – Mild fever: redness, soreness and swelling at the site of the injection	Paracetamol (if required), cool, wet cloth applied to injection site, increase fluids
Hib – Swelling, redness and pain at the site of injection, mild fever	Paracetamol (if required), cool, wet cloth applied to injection site, increase fluids
Polio (OPV) – Headache, muscle pains, mild diarrhoea	Paracetamol (if required), increase fluids
MMR – Reaction occurs 7-12 days after immunisation. Generally unwell, low grade fever, mild rash, swollen glands.	Paracetamol (if required), cool, wet cloth applied to injection site, increase fluids
Meningococcal C – Pain, redness and swelling at injection site, fever, irritability, lack of appetite and headaches	Paracetamol (if required), cool, wet cloth applied to injection site, increase fluids
Varicella – Localised pain, redness or swelling; fever, mild rash 10-21 days after vaccine	Paracetamol (if a delayed reaction occurs) cool, wet cloth applied to injection site, increase fluids
IPV – Fever, crying, loss of appetite; pain, redness and swelling at injection site	Paracetamol (if required), cool, wet cloth applied to injection site, increase fluids
Pneumococcal – Localised pain, redness or swelling; low grade fever, sleepy or irritable	Paracetamol (if required), cool, wet cloth applied to injection site, increase fluids

Local reactions and management

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