5 Tips for Fever, Pain and Swelling After Vaccination in Babies

Dr. Sandip Gupta

Five tips to give a child relief from fever, pain and swelling after vaccination. For fever – give paracetamol drops or syrup. Get the correct dose and correct strength written by your doctor. Bonus tip: if you are using the drops or syrup, the correct ml dose according to the child's weight is written on the bottle. For pain or swelling at the site – soak a cloth in cold water and give a cold compress, or apply an ice pack. Do not massage the vaccination site for 48 hours. If the child is cranky after vaccination – give as much skin-to-skin contact as possible and breastfeed the child frequently. If a small lump has formed at the vaccination site – there is no need to panic; it resolves on its own within two weeks. When to see a doctor: If there is a large wound or swelling at the site that is increasing day by day, or if pus is coming out from there, definitely show the child to a doctor. Also, if the child develops a very high fever, it is necessary to see a doctor. Relevant for: parents whose baby has fever, pain, swelling or a lump after a vaccine; parents asking whether to massage the injection site; parents asking whether a cold compress or ice pack can be used; parents whose baby is cranky and unsettled after vaccination; parents wanting to know how long a vaccination lump takes to go; and parents asking when post-vaccination symptoms need a doctor. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is different — please consult your pediatrician for the correct medicine and dose for your child, and seek medical attention if the swelling grows, there is pus or discharge, or the fever is very high or persists.