Vaccination reactions in babies: find out what they are and how to mitigate them

BCG, Hepatitis B, among many others. To ensure the health of the little ones from birth, the Brazilian Society of Immunizations recommends a series of vaccines that should be carried out in the first 12 months of the child, most of them offered free of charge in the public network.

However, although they contribute to healthy development and prevent diseases, vaccines can bring some more annoying reflexes. According to the doctor. Simone Holzer, pediatrician at Hospital América de Mauá, it is important to know that all vaccines can cause adverse reactions, such as fever, pain and edema (swelling) at the injection site. The specialist comments that these effects have little intensity and remain for a short period.

What are the most common reactions caused by vaccines in babies?

In general, each child has a particular response and sensitivity to each of the vaccines. Check out what reactions can happen.

• BCG (single dose at birth): according to Dr. Clay Brites, pediatrician and child neurologist at the NeuroSaber Institute, the BCG-ID vaccine can cause local, regional or systemic adverse events, which in most cases are due to the type of strain used. The effects that can occur are local and regional, such as ulcer (wound with a diameter greater than 1 centimeter) that takes time to heal and the presence of regional lymphadenopathy (glands). In addition, BCG almost always leaves a characteristic scar where it is applied.
• Hepatitis B (at birth, 2 and 6 months): local and systemic manifestations can occur. The most common are pain and induration at the injection site. Other symptoms that may be present are fever within the first 24 hours after vaccination, fatigue, dizziness, irritability, and mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Serious allergic reactions rarely occur.
• Triple bacterial (2, 4 and 6 months): the vaccine can cause several adverse events, especially because of the pertussis component. The effects, which usually occur within the first 48 to 72 hours, are low to moderate fever (especially with the first dose), irritability, redness, pain and swelling at the injection site.
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) (2, 4, and 6 months): Haemophilus vaccine is given in a combination vaccine, Pentavalent. Its application can lead to the same side effects as the Bacterial Triple, fever up to 39 degrees and discomfort at the application site.
• Conjugate pneumococcal (2, 4, 6 and 12 months): Pain, swelling, redness, injection site lump and irritability are very common with this vaccine. Less frequently, loss of appetite, drowsiness and fever may also occur. There is no reason to be overly concerned: these manifestations are mild and transient. Hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode and allergic reactions, on the other hand, are rare.
• Rotavirus (2, 4 and 6 months): pediatrician Clay Brites explains that this application can bring the same symptoms as polio. In addition, it can lead to fever, weakness, irritability, loss of appetite and vomiting within the first 48 hours. Two or three doses should be applied, according to the manufacturer.
• Poliomyelitis (2, 4 and 6 months): as pointed out by the doctor Simone Holzer, there are 2 types of vaccine for poliomyelitis: the attenuated virus (oral) OPV and the inactive virus (injectable) VIP. In the case of the injectable vaccine, redness, hardening and pain may occur at the injection site; moderate fever rarely. The oral vaccine is generally well tolerated and is rarely related to an adverse event, but there is a chance that the baby will have allergic reactions such as hives and itchy skin rashes.
• Conjugated meningococcal (3, 5, 7 and 12 months): in this case, symptoms may occur especially in the first 72 hours after application. They are: swelling, induration, pain and redness at the application site; loss of appetite, irritability, drowsiness, fever and muscle pain.
• Meningococcal B (3, 5, 7, and 12 months): The most common reactions are tenderness and erythema at the injection site, fever, and irritability. High fever lasting 24 to 48 hours can occur in more than 10% of vaccinees. Other effects include loss of appetite, drowsiness, persistent crying, irritability, diarrhea, vomiting and headache.

It is interesting to observe if the child presents any symptoms other than those mentioned. According to Dr. Clay Brites, pediatrician and child neurologist at the NeuroSaber Institute, the most uncommon reactions are those of a neurological nature, while Guillain-Barré Syndrome, neuropathies and seizures are rare occurrences. Other effects that can happen are inconsolable crying, hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode (loss of strength and consciousness), febrile convulsions and anaphylaxis.

How to prevent or mitigate the reactions?

Kyvia Richter, director of Clínica Imunofluminense, brings 5 ​​simple tips that can be done to relieve possible physical symptoms in babies:

1. After vaccinations, apply a cold compress to the region for 5 minutes, 3 times a day, for the first 24 hours.
2. Do not massage or compress the application area.
3. Do not put medicines in the region.
4. Hydrate the baby or child.
5. Administer antipyretics before vaccinations (under the guidance of your trusted pediatrician).

It is worth mentioning that administering the vaccine while the baby is suckling also provides comfort. According to pediatrician Simone Holzer, breast milk contains substances that act as anesthetics.

If you notice any different effects on your baby, or the symptoms take a long time to disappear, look for the pediatrician. He is the professional who will know what steps to take.