Your child developed a fever after getting a vaccine. This is common and usually not a cause for worry. Most fevers will go away in 1–2 days.

Rest and medicine usually help kids with fever feel better.

• If your child is uncomfortable from fever, and your healthcare provider says it's OK, you can give acetaminophen (Tylenol® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Follow the directions on the label for how much to give and how often. Don't give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old.
• Don't give aspirin to your child. It can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
• Have your child rest if they seem tired.
• Let your child eat and drink as usual.

• Your child's fever gets higher or does not get better after two days.
• Your child develops other symptoms, such as a cough, runny nose, rash, headache, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• There is redness, swelling, or pus where the vaccine was given.

Your child:

• Has a seizure (uncontrolled jerking movements)
• Passes out
• Seems very confused or talks without making sense
• Is much harder to wake up than normal

Why is it important for children to be vaccinated? Vaccination is a way to create immunity to (protection from) some diseases. That's why it's so important to vaccinate babies early in life, before they're exposed to diseases, and continue to have kids get vaccines as they get older.

What causes fever after a vaccine? Vaccines are made to act like an infection. When a child gets a vaccine, the body makes antibodies (germ-fighting proteins). The antibodies help protect the child from future illness. Fever after a vaccine is a sign that the child's immune system is responding to the vaccine.

Is my child allergic to the vaccine? No. Fever can be normal after receiving a vaccine. It is not a sign that your child is having an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare.

Is it safe for my child to get vaccines in the future? Yes. Your child should continue to get all vaccines recommended by your healthcare provider. Keeping up to date on vaccines is one of the best ways to protect kids and families from contagious diseases.