Swelling of lymph nodes after a baby vaccination
In the first months, babies usually receive vaccinations against rotavirus (from 6 weeks) as well as the six-times vaccination (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, hib, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B) and the pneumococcal vaccination. The vaccinations are given at the age of two, three and four months, if they are carried out according to the recommendations of the STIKO. An additional vaccination is given at the end of the first year of life, after which the vaccinations against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella and meningococcus C can be given.
Since the immune system of babies is not yet as mature as that of older children and adults, more frequent vaccinations are necessary for immunity against the disease. Especially in babies, the immune system has to learn how to react to the respective vaccine first, therefore a strong activation of the immune system as well as the affected immune stations in the body (e.g. lymph nodes) can occur. A swelling of the lymph nodes after vaccination is therefore not unusual in babies.
More often, however, the systemic (affecting the entire body) consequences of the vaccination become apparent. These include fever and exhaustion of the child. Babies are often tired and listless for a few days, and they often cry.
Their appetite may also be reduced for a few days. The fever that follows the vaccination can be treated with antipyretic drugs such as paracetamol and ibuprofen (in babies usually in the form of suppositories).
