Side Effects of Vaccines in Children

There are lot of rumours and misinformation on this topic on social media platforms. Those

spreading such misinformation have linked vaccines as a cause for Autism, Developmental

delays and sudden infant deaths. But the science has proved that there is no cause effect

relationship here. Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect children from

serious diseases such as measles, meningitis, chickenpox, tetanus, polio, whooping cough

and many more including cancers. However, like any medical intervention, vaccines can

cause side effects. Most of these side effects are mild, temporary, and a normal sign that

the body is building immunity.

Common Side Effects

With more than 37 years of experience in children vaccinations, we can vouch that side

effects of vaccines are not serious enough to deter parents from opting for one! The most

frequent side effects of childhood vaccines include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection

site. These symptoms usually appear within a few hours of vaccination and go away within a

couple of days. Some children may also develop a mild fever, fatigue, or irritability. As we

have almost all painless vaccines and hence you can be rest assured for such side effects.

Other mild reactions can include loss of appetite, drowsiness, or a small rash. For example,

the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine can occasionally cause a mild rash or fever

about a week after the injection.

Less Common but Possible Reactions

While rare, some children may experience more noticeable side effects. These can include

febrile seizures (brief seizures caused by fever), especially after the MMR or DTP vaccines.

Though looks very alarming, febrile convulsions are generally harmless and do not lead to

long-term health problems.

Serious Reactions

Serious side effects from vaccines are extremely rare. These might include severe allergic

reactions (anaphylaxis), which occur in about 1 in 10 lac doses. Healthcare providers are

trained to manage such situations immediately and effectively.

When to Call a Doctor

Parents should contact a healthcare provider if their child shows signs of a serious allergic

reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, or a high fever that doesn’t go

away.

Conclusion

Vaccines play a vital role in protecting children from infectious diseases. While side effects

can occur, they are usually mild and temporary. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the

risks, helping children stay healthy and safe throughout their lives. Always consult your

paediatrician if you have concerns about vaccine side effects. Paediatrician at Smile Children

Clinic make it a point to advise parents to wait for half an hour after vaccination in the clinic.

Please call us on 9226893706 or email us on smilechildrenclinic1989@gmail.com for any

concern of yours regarding Child Immunisation.