Side effects of a vaccination
After vaccinations, side effects may occasionally occur. In rare cases these are directly related to the vaccine. In general, the available vaccines are well tolerated and do not cause long-term damage.
The most common side effects are caused by the needle being inserted into the skin or muscle. At the point of the puncture, redness, swelling, overheating or pain may occur. Sometimes flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, aching limbs or discomfort may also occur.
However, these symptoms usually disappear within a few days. In general, side effects are more frequent after a vaccination with a live vaccine because the body reacts more intensively to the attenuated pathogens in the vaccine. Consequently, a longer-term immunity against the disease can build up.
After a vaccination against measles, for example with the combination vaccine against mumps, measles and rubella, the so-called vaccine measles can occur. Vaccine measles is a rash similar to measles, which sometimes occurs in conjunction with fever. They can occur about 10 days after a measles vaccination.
One of the most common side effects is an increased body temperature or fever. The fever usually appears a few hours after vaccination and disappears within a few days. The fever is a natural reaction of the body to the vaccine and is completely normal.
The pathogens contained in the vaccine activate the body’s own immune system. As a result, antibodies are formed which protect the body from contracting a certain disease. If the fever persists for several days, if the temperature does not drop despite fever-reducing measures or if the baby’s behavior changes noticeably, a doctor should be consulted.
If the baby develops a fever or an increased body temperature after vaccination, care should be taken to ensure an adequate fluid intake. The administration of paracetamol or Nurofen as suppositories or juice is suitable for reducing fever. Calf compresses are also a proven household remedy against fever. Further information can be found under: Baby fever after vaccination and suppositories (for babies and toddlers)
