“Fever after vaccine. What do I do?”
My son just had a vaccine for the chicken pox, and just a day after it, he has a fever. His fever is not high and only 100.5. Is this normal? What should I do?
7 Answers
A mild fever along with localized tenderness, redness, and swelling are very common reactions following the administration of a vaccine. These reactions usually resolve in one to two days without intervention, but should you choose to administer a medication to your kiddo, go with acetaminophen over ibuprofen!
Shana Bell
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Acute Care
For a healthy child, this is not worrisome. Fever with most vaccines begins within 24 hours and lasts 1 to 2 days. This is considered a normal part of the immune response. So, a fever after vaccination offers evidence that the child’s immune system is responding to the vaccine, and as a result, building immunity against the virus or bacteria that the vaccine targets. You should make sure they stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids. Most research does not advocate for treating post-vaccine fevers or pre-medication before vaccines. You should seek medical evaluation if the fever reaches 104° F or higher.
Just give him paracetamol. It generally works.
Fever after a vaccination it perfectly normal. Treat the fever with Tylenol or Motrin. A rash may appear a week after the chicken pox vaccine--this is normal
Support care
It is not uncommon at all for a child to have a low-grade fever after receiving a vaccination. If anything, it’s a good sign. His immune system is responding to the vaccine. As long as the fever does not become high and he doesn’t act like he is sick in some other way, I wouldn’t worry about it at all.
Randall Fisher, M.D.
Randall Fisher, M.D.
Low-grade fever after vaccination is common. If it is low grade like his is, you do not have to do anything. If he is fussy or gets above 102 you can give tylenol or motrin
