Fever & Pain from Immunization in Children 2-5 Years

When it’s time for an immunization injection, it’s best to be prepared so that you can comfort your child and relieve their fever and pain:

• Stay calm. Even if it isn’t their first shot, it’s perfectly normal for you to find your child’s distress upsetting. But if your child senses your stress, they may tense up even more and that could lead to more pain. Do your best to stay calm and keep your child calm as well.[from http://www.babycenter.ca/baby/health/immunisationwhattoexpect/]
• Use your parental magic. During and after the immunization injection, try to distract or amuse your child by playing a game, singing a song, playing music, or reading their favorite story.
• Monitor and relieve their fever. Your child may run a mild fever afterwards. You can treat a fever after immunization the same way you would relieve any fever. Learn about fever reducing tips and how to take your child’s temperature. [from http://www.babycenter.ca/baby/health/immunisationwhattoexpect/]
• Use an over-the-counter (OTC) fever and pain relieving medication that’s specially formulated for children - to relieve your child’s fever and pain due to immunization, like Children’s TYLENOL^® Liquids or MELTAWAYS™
• Do not give your child products containing acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) — ASA may cause a dangerous medical condition called Reye’s Syndrome.

After an immunization shot, it’s normal for your child to be out of sorts and irritable. The doctor will likely tell you what to expect for the next few days. Call the doctor if your child’s fever or pain cannot be relieved, or any time you feel unsure about any of your child’s symptoms.