Table. Common side effects following immunisation for vaccines used in the National Immunisation Program schedule
Common adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) are usually mild and temporary. They usually occur in the first few days after vaccination. Specific treatment is not usually needed.
If the AEFI is unexpected, persistent or severe, or if you are worried about you or your child’s condition, see your doctor or immunisation nurse as soon as possible, or go directly to a hospital. Seek medical advice if you or your child are unwell, as this may be due to another illness, not because of the vaccination. Report adverse events following immunisation to the Therapeutic Goods Administration or to the Adverse Medicines Events line on 1300 134 237, or check with your immunisation provider about how to report AEFI in your state or territory.
| Vaccine | Common AEFI |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (acellular), DTPa-containing vaccines and dTpa (reduced antigen) vaccines |
|
| Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (Hib) |
|
| Hepatitis A vaccine |
|
| Hepatitis B vaccine |
|
| Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine |
|
| Influenza vaccine |
|
| Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR, MMRV – see also varicella) |
Seen 7–10 days after vaccination:
|
| Meningococcal vaccine |
|
| Pneumococcal vaccines (20vPCV [children aged <18 years); 13vPCV and 23vPPV [adults aged ≥18 years]) |
|
| Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) and IPV-containing vaccines |
|
| Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine |
|
| Rotavirus vaccine |
|
| Varicella vaccine |
|
| Zoster vaccine (Shingrix) |
|
Managing injection site discomfort
Many vaccine injections can cause soreness, redness, itching, swelling or burning at the injection site for 1–2 days. Paracetamol or ibuprofen might be needed to ease the discomfort. Sometimes a small, hard lump (nodule) at the injection site may persist for some weeks or months. This should not be of concern and requires no treatment.
Managing fever after immunisation
Give extra fluids to drink. Do not overdress the baby if hot. Although routine use of paracetamol or ibuprofen after vaccination is not recommended, it can be given if the person has a fever. The dose of paracetamol for a child up to 12 years of age is 15 mg/kg/dose, every 4–6 hours, up to 4 times a day. Adults and children aged ≥12 years can receive 500 to 1000 mg every 4–6 hours. Do not give paracetamol for more than 48 hours without seeking medical advice.