Your child may cry for a brief time after receiving their immunizations. This is normal and simply their way of coping.

• Comfort, hold, and talk to your child supportively.
• Their favourite stuffed toy, blanket, book, or game may help comfort or distract them.
• Feeding your baby straight after their immunization will help them settle.
• You need to remain in the clinic for 20 minutes after the immunization. Use this time to help your child settle—this can make the next visit easier.

Vaccine responses such as mild to moderate fever, redness, swelling, discomfort, or pain at the injection site are normal and common. These responses occur as your child’s immune system learns to protect them from the diseases covered by the vaccines. But don’t worry if your child doesn’t show any visible responses—this doesn't mean the vaccine isn't working. Their immune system is still learning and reacting internally.

Immunization responses can appear as early as 4–6 hours after immunization and usually begin to settle down within 24–48 hours. Here are some tips to manage your child’s discomfort if they feel unwell or distressed.

If Your Child Gets Hot or Has a Fever

• Give plenty of breastfeeds or fluids.
• Undress them to a single layer (e.g. singlet and pants).
• Ensure the room is not too hot or too cold.
• Offer lots of cuddles and comfort.

If Your Child Has Injection Site Discomfort or Pain

• Do not rub the injection site.
• Apply a cool damp cloth or an ice pack wrapped in a dry cloth to the injection site.
• Give lots of cuddles to help ease the discomfort.

NB: We do not recommend giving paracetamol before or after immunization with most childhood vaccines just in case of fever or injection site discomfort. However, if your child does develop a fever or seems uncomfortable and distressed, you may give paracetamol. Always follow the dosage instructions on the bottle. Overdosing is dangerous and may cause serious complications such as kidney damage.