Q: My 72-day-old baby has a 38.1°C fever after vaccinations but is eating and sleeping well. Should I give a fever reducer now?
- Myeongchan Kim, MD
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 8
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 baby is 72 days old and received their 2-month vaccinations today. I just checked their temperature, and it is 38.1°C. Right now, the baby is sleeping soundly and eating well. Should I give them a fever reducer right away, or should I just monitor them and wait to see if the fever goes up before giving medication?
Answer:
It is quite common for a 72-day-old baby to develop a mild fever of 38.1°C after receiving vaccinations. It is very reassuring to hear that your baby is sleeping and eating well!
Current Assessment
A fever following a vaccination is a normal immune response. A temperature of 38.1°C is considered a low-grade fever. Because your baby appears comfortable and is behaving normally, there is no immediate need to administer a fever reducer.
Recommended Actions
• Continue to observe your baby. As long as they remain comfortable, fever medication is unnecessary.
• Dress the baby in lightweight, breathable clothing (avoid over-bundling them in heavy blankets).
• Offer breast milk or formula frequently to ensure they stay well-hydrated.
• Check the baby's temperature every 2 to 3 hours.
When to Give a Fever Reducer
You can consider giving a fever reducer (like infant Acetaminophen) if the temperature reaches 38.5°C or higher and the baby becomes noticeably fussy, uncomfortable, or refuses to eat. The general dosage for Acetaminophen is typically 10 to 15 mg per kilogram of the baby's body weight. Make sure to double-check the packaging instructions or consult your pharmacist for the correct dose based on your baby's current weight.
⚠️ When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Please visit an emergency room or consult a pediatrician right away if you notice any of the following signs:
• The fever reaches 39°C or higher and persists.
• The baby refuses to eat for more than 12 hours.
• The baby becomes lethargic, difficult to wake up, or unresponsive.
• There is severe redness, heat, or swelling at the injection site.
Most vaccination-related fevers will naturally subside within 24 to 48 hours. Since your baby is currently comfortable, you can safely continue to monitor them at home. Please consult your pediatrician if the fever lasts longer than a couple of days or if any new, concerning symptoms appear.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
