COMMON REACTIONS TO IMMUNISATIONS

The following information is produced by the Department of Human Services.

Note: It is important to remain at the clinic for 15 minutes after immunisation.


Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis/Polio Vaccine

• Generally unhappy for 24 hours
• Decreased appetite
• Drowsiness

Meningococcal serogroup C Vaccine

• Mild temperature (below 39C)
• Crying, irritability
• Drowsiness
• Headache (usually in adolescent/adult)

Hib (Haemophilus influenzae Type b) / Hepatitis B Vaccine

Reactions are uncommon and, if they occur, it is soon after immunisation:

• Mild temperature (below 39C)

MMR Vaccine (Measles/Mumps/Rubella)

The following may occur six to 11 days after immunisation and last less than 48 hours:

• Mild temperature (below 39C)
• Faint rash (not infectious)
• Head cold and/or runny nose
• Cough and/or puffy eyes
• Drowsiness
• Swelling of salivary glands may occur three weeks after immunisation

Hib Vaccine (Haemophilus influenzae Type b)

Reactions are uncommon and, if they occur, it is soon after immunisation:

• Mild temperature (below 39C)

Pneumococcal Vaccine

• Redness or discomfort at the injection site
• Mild temperature (below 39C)

Chickenpox Vaccine

• Mild temperature (below 39C)
• Mild chickenpox-like rash may develop five to 26 days after immunisation