Vaccine Side Effects/Risks

Like any medication, vaccines, can cause side effects. The most common side effects are mild. On the other hand, many vaccine-preventable disease symptoms can be serious, or even deadly. Even though many of these diseases are rare in this country, they still occur around the world and can be brought into the U.S., putting unvaccinated children at risk.

The side effects associated with getting vaccines are almost always mild (such as redness and swelling where the shot was given) and go away within a few days. If your child experiences a reaction at the injection site, you can use a cool, wet cloth to reduce redness, soreness, and swelling.

Serious side effects following vaccination, such as severe allergic reaction, are very rare and doctors and clinic staff are trained to deal with them. Pay extra attention to your child for a few days after vaccination. If you see something that concerns you, call your child’s doctor.

Learn about diseases and the vaccines that prevent them, including the most common side effects associated with each one.

Learn how to soothe your child before, during, and after vaccination with these Tips for Less Stressful Shot Visits.

Learn about who should not get vaccinated with certain vaccines.

Understand the risks if you decide not to vaccinate your children. [655 KB, 2 pages]

 

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