Fever & Pain from Immunization in Infants 0-24 Months

Here’s how to comfort your baby after an immunization shot:

• Stay calm. When you take your baby for immunization, you will probably be asked to hold or stay with your baby while an injection is given. It is perfectly normal to find this upsetting. However, your baby may sense your unease and may tense up as well. Do your best to stay calm and keep your baby 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 little one by playing a game, singing a song or reading their favourite story.
• Monitor and relieve their fever. Your baby may run a mild fever afterwards. You can treat a fever after immunization the same way you would treat any fever. Learn about fever reducing tips and how to take your baby’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 infants - to relieve your baby’s fever and pain from immunization, like Infants’ TYLENOL^® Drops.
• Do not give your baby 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 baby 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 baby’s fever or pain cannot be relieved or any time you feel unsure about any of your baby’s symptoms.