Childhood vaccinations

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The vaccination of a very young child with a severe undetermined health problem is sometimes postponed until the health problem is better defined to avoid side effects of vaccination affecting the understanding of the underlying problem. A child with an immune deficiency or receiving immunosuppressants may require an individual vaccination schedule. They may be recommended to receive extra doses or more vaccines and even avoid some.

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Medicines can affect the effectiveness and, in rare cases, the safety of vaccines. Sometimes, it is necessary to postpone vaccination until the effects of other medicines are over. This applies mainly to chicken pox and measles vaccines, but the vaccination schedule can usually be maintained.

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Continuing vaccinations without special monitoring or intervention is often possible, even if side effects have occurred. Still, some medicines are recommended to reduce specific side effects, and in more severe cases, a specialist evaluation may be necessary before vaccinations are continued. It is rare for a child to stop using a vaccine, usually due to an allergy.

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Egg protein vaccines are not used in general vaccinations in Iceland, but vaccines recommended for certain groups, such as influenza vaccines, may contain egg protein.

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It is often possible to vaccinate a child who is, e.g. with ear infections or other illnesses if it is easy to predict the progress of the illness and the effect of vaccination on that progress.

It's completely normal for children to feel a bit irritable after vaccination, usually for a few hours or less. The discomfort at the injection site is the most likely cause, and it's a sign that the body is responding to the vaccine.

If your child develops a fever, it's important to follow the advice of doctors and nurses and give them a dose of paracetamol to reduce the fever. It is then repeated 4-6 hours later if necessary. If the fever persists for more than a day or is accompanied by other symptoms , it's crucial to consult a doctor. Some children are advised to use ibuprofen instead of paracetamol from 6 months of age.

It's not uncommon for redness or swelling to occur at the injection site, often most prominently on the day after vaccination. This is a normal part of the body's immune response, and any traces usually resolve within a week. If you're concerned about this, remember that it's always best to discuss it with a nurse or doctor in primary healthcare.

When to seek medical advice

If you have any concerns, you should contact your nurse or doctor. If your child develops a high fever that does not drop within an hour after paracetamol, abnormal crying or seizures, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.