Common Vaccine Reactions in Children: What's Normal vs. Concerning

Local Reactions

• Pain, redness, swelling at injection site
• Itching, bruising

Mild Systemic Reactions

• Fever, chills, fatigue, headache
• Appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Muscle/joint aches

Allergic Reactions (Rare)

• Hives, facial/lip/tongue/throat swelling
• Breathing difficulty, wheezing
• Dizziness, fainting
• Anaphylaxis (emergency)

Delayed Reaction

MMR vaccine can cause parotitis (cheek/jaw gland swelling) days later.

Most reactions are mild, self-limiting. Serious ones are very rare. Follow schedule; contact provider for concerning symptoms.