Vaccination side effects explained (Video)
Transcript
Vaccination side effects explained.
After vaccination, your child's body develops an immune response that helps protect against infection and severe disease.
However, for a few hours or days, you may notice some common, temporary side effects.
You may notice some common, temporary side effects like:
- mild pain, swelling, or redness at the spot where the vaccine was given
- mild fever
- fussiness
- sleepier than usual
The injection into the muscle can lead to temporary inflammation which can cause mild pain in the area.
The other side effects, like fever, occur as the body is developing an immune response to the vaccine.
Very rarely, an allergic reaction may occur—usually shortly after vaccination— which is why you may be asked to stay at the clinic for about 15 minutes after the vaccination. Signs of a serious allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, swelling around face, tongue or throat, or hives on the skin. If these develop, seek medical attention right away.
Remember that an allergic reaction is very rare. Mild side effects are more common, but they are temporary and will go away on their own within a few days.
To find out more, visit Canada.ca/childhood-vaccines.