Immunizations - When to Call a Doctor

Call or other emergency services if you or your child develops any of the following symptoms:

• An allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, hives, hoarseness, paleness, weakness, a fast heart rate, or dizziness.
• Behavior changes, such as passing out (losing consciousness), acting confused, being very sleepy or hard to wake up, or not responding to being touched or talked to.
• A seizure.

Call your doctor if:

• Redness and swelling at the site of the shot (injection) last longer than 48 hours.
• Your child is 3 months of age or younger and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
• A fever lasts longer than 48 hours after receiving a shot.
• Any unusual reaction occurs.

If a fever develops after an immunization and you need to find out if you should call your doctor, see:

• Fever or Chills, Age 11 and Younger.
• Fever or Chills, Age 12 and Older.

Talk with your doctor about whether you need special immunizations because you:

• Are in close contact with people who have an infectious disease.
• Have planned international travel, especially to developing countries.
• Live with or visit a pregnant woman or baby.
• Live with someone who has an impaired immune system.