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Q: My 6-month-old has a 38.6°C fever after vaccinations. Should we go to the hospital if the fever reducer doesn't work?

  • Myeongchan Kim
  • 6 hours ago
  • 2 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:

Yesterday at 2:00 PM, my 6-month-old baby received the flu shot along with their 6-month routine vaccinations. Currently, the baby's fever has risen to 38.6°C. I gave a fever reducer at 5:00 AM, and the fever went down right away. However, the fever spiked again around 1:30 PM, so I gave another dose. If the fever doesn't drop after taking the medication this time, should I take my baby to the hospital?


Answer:

It is completely understandable to be worried when your baby develops a fever after vaccinations. Based on your timeline, it has been about 24 hours since the shots were administered.


Understanding Post-Vaccination Fever:

A mild to moderate fever within 24 to 48 hours after receiving vaccines is very common. It is also completely normal for the fever to temporarily drop after taking a fever reducer and then rise again once the medication begins to wear off.


What You Can Do at Home Right Now:

  • Wait 30 to 60 minutes: It takes time for the fever reducer to be absorbed and take full effect.

  • Keep the baby comfortable: Dress your baby in light, breathable clothing, maintain a comfortable room temperature, and offer small amounts of fluids (breastmilk or formula) every 5 to 10 minutes to ensure they stay hydrated.

  • Avoid physical cooling: Do not use tepid water sponging or ice packs to cool the baby down.


When to Visit a Pediatrician or Emergency Room Today:

Please seek immediate medical attention if your baby experiences any of the following:

  • Difficulty breathing, grunting, or bluish lips.

  • Severe lethargy (limpness), inability to make eye contact, or extreme, inconsolable fussiness.

  • No wet diapers for more than 8 hours.

  • The fever remains high an hour after medication AND is accompanied by any of the concerning symptoms mentioned above.


General Guidance:

If your baby only has a fever but is otherwise feeding well, making eye contact, and playing normally, you can safely continue to observe them at home until tomorrow. However, if the fever persists for more than 48 hours after the time of vaccination, please consult your pediatrician for an in-person evaluation.


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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