2 August 2020

Key points

  • The most common reaction is redness and swelling at the injection site.
  • Next most common is a fever starting about six hours after the injection and lasting into the following day.
  • A cold compress helps relieve redness and swelling at the site.
  • For fever, dress the child in loose, breathable clothes so the heat can escape, and give extra fluids. If the child is still breastfeeding, breast milk is best.
  • If the temperature goes above 38°C, paracetamol is recommended. The dose is set by the child’s age and weight, once every 4 to 6 hours, and no more than 4 times in 24 hours.
  • Never give aspirin to a child with a fever. It can trigger Reye’s syndrome, a very dangerous disease of the brain — parents must keep this in mind.