Care for your child after vaccinations

Give your child extra care and attention

Pay extra attention to your baby for a few days. If you see something that concerns you, call your baby’s doctor.

• Read the Vaccine Information Sheet(s) your baby’s doctor gave you to learn about side effects your baby may experience.
• Swaddle.
• Offer breastmilk or formula more often. It is normal for some babies to eat less during the 24 hours after getting vaccines.

Treat mild reactions

Sometimes children have mild reactions from vaccines, such as pain at the injection site or a rash. These reactions, also called side effects, are normal and will soon go away.

• Use a cool, damp cloth to help reduce redness, soreness, and/or swelling at the injection site.
• Reduce fever with a cool sponge bath.
• Ask your baby’s doctor if you can give your baby a non-aspirin pain reliever.