Immunizations - Diptheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis

Symptoms of Severe Reactions to Vaccinations

Although severe reactions are extremely rare, parents should know how to respond.

Call the doctor immediately if a child has any of the following symptoms.

• Extremely High Fever. A rectal temperature of 105 °F or higher. (Temperatures taken under the arm or by mouth often register lower than actual temperatures.)
• Inconsolable Crying. The child has been crying for over 3 hours without stopping or has a cry that isn't normal, such as a high-pitched sound.
• Convulsions. The child's body starts shaking, twitching, or jerking. This is usually in response to a high fever. Place the child face down with the head to one side, protecting the head from hitting anything hard. Be sure the child can breathe freely. A simple febrile seizure stops by itself within a few seconds to 10 minutes.

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Seek immediate medical attention if a child has any of the following symptoms

• Shock. The child collapses, turns pale, and becomes unresponsive.
• Severe Allergic (Anaphylactic) Reaction. Swelling in the mouth and throat, wheezing and breathing difficulties, dizziness. The child collapses or is pale and limp.

Call the doctor if the following symptoms persist for more than 24 hours:

• The injection site is still red and tender.
• Fever does not go down.
• The child is still fussy.

Review Date: 10/12/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).