Immunizations
When to Call a Doctor
Call 911 or other emergency services if you or your child has a severe reaction to any immunization as indicated by:
- A major allergic reaction, such as a severe asthma episode, severe problems breathing or swallowing, or hives.
- Significant changes in alertness within 7 days of getting immunized.
- A seizure.
- Collapsing.
Call your doctor immediately if:
- Your child has signs of a severe reaction within 2 to 3 days after an immunization. For example, call your doctor if your child cries for more than 3 hours and cannot be consoled or has a fever of 104.5°F (40.3°C) or higher. For more information about a fever, see the topics:
- You or your child has any unusual reaction after receiving an immunization.
Call your doctor if:
- Redness and swelling at the site of the shot (injection) persists for more than 48 hours after being immunized.
- A fever lasts for more than 48 hours after you or your child received a shot.
Talk with your doctor about whether you need special immunizations because of:
- Close contact with people who have an infectious disease.
- Planned international travel, especially to developing countries.
- Living with or visiting a pregnant woman or infant.
- A person with an impaired immune system in your household.
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| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: February 29, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics William Atkinson, MD, MPH - Public Health and Preventive Medicine | |
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