IMMUNIZATION REACTIONS

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR IMMUNIZATION REACTIONS

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance)

• Difficulty with breathing or swallowing.
• Not moving or very weak.  
• Unresponsive or difficult to awaken .

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

• Your child looks or acts very sick.
• Age less than 12 weeks with fever above 100.4°F (38°C) rectally.  (Exception: occurs within 48 hours after DTaP shot.)
• Fever above 104°F.  
• High-pitched, unusual cry present for more than 1 hour.
• Crying continuously for more than 3 hours.
• Redness or red streak around the injection site bigger than 1 inch.  
• Redness around the injection site persists for more than 48 hours (2 days).

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

• You think your child needs to be seen.
• Fever present for more than 3 days.  
• Pain, tenderness, or swelling at the injection site persists for more than 3 days.
• Measles vaccine rash (onset day 6 to 12) persists for more than 3 days.

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

• You have other questions or concerns.

Parent Care at Home If

• Normal immunization reaction and you don't think your child needs to be seen.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

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