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Q: My 1-year-old vomited 4 times immediately after taking fever reducers post-vaccination. Did I give too much?

  • Myeongchan Kim
  • 5 hours ago
  • 3 min read

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD


This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.


Question:

My 1-year-old baby (10.3 kg) recently received meningitis and pneumococcal vaccines. Here is the timeline of events:

  • 18:30: Post-vaccination fever of 38.7°C; I gave 4cc of acetaminophen.

  • 19:30: Fever rose to 39.1°C.

  • 20:30: Fever was 38.7°C, so I tried cross-dosing with 4cc of ibuprofen (1st attempt). Within 10 minutes, the baby vomited all of the evening formula.

  • After calming down, I tried a 2nd dose of ibuprofen, but the baby vomited lunch.

  • I tried a 3rd time after the baby calmed down, but they immediately spat out the medicine and vomited again.

  • I tried a 4th time, giving half the dose first and then the rest, but the baby then vomited their morning meal.


Throughout all of this, the fever fluctuated between 38.5°C and 38.7°C. Currently, the temperature has finally dropped to the 37°C range. I am extremely worried that I may have administered too much medication by trying four times in a row. Is my baby okay?


Answer:

It sounds like you have had a very difficult evening. It is completely understandable to be worried when your baby experiences a high fever and repeated vomiting, especially after vaccinations.


Current Situation Assessment

Fortunately, your baby's temperature has stabilized in the 37°C range. While a fever is a very common reaction after a pneumococcal vaccine, the repeated vomiting is the main concern right now.


Medication Information

Regarding the ibuprofen, you administered roughly 10cc in total across the four attempts. Because your baby vomited almost immediately each time, the actual amount of medication absorbed into the body is likely very small. While the total volume attempted is technically within the safe limits for a 10.3 kg baby, the absorption was severely limited due to the vomiting. Therefore, you generally do not need to worry about an overdose in this specific scenario.


Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Stop Fever Reducers: Since the baby's temperature has stabilized, do not give any more antipyretic medication at this time.

  2. Hydration: Offer 1 to 2 small sips of water or an oral rehydration solution every 5 to 10 minutes. Do not give large amounts of fluids at once, as this can trigger more vomiting.

  3. Rest: Keep the environment quiet, cool, and comfortable to help your baby rest and recover.


When to Visit the Emergency Room

Please take your baby to the nearest ER immediately if you observe any of the following warning signs:

• No urine output for 8 hours or more (signs of severe dehydration).

• Continuous vomiting or an inability to keep even small amounts of water down.

• The fever rises again above 38.5°C accompanied by severe lethargy or unresponsiveness.

• Your baby develops a stiff neck or a sudden skin rash.


While it is normal for a fever to last 24 to 48 hours after these vaccinations, continuous vomiting requires proper medical evaluation. If your baby remains stable through the night, please visit your pediatrician tomorrow morning for an in-person check-up to ensure they are fully hydrated and recovering well.


For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.






 
 
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