Flu Vaccine Reactions in Babies

With the flu season now threatening us with two flus, H1N1 (aka swine flu) and the regular seasonal flu, parents are more interested in getting their children, even babies, vaccinated. For babies over 6 months, the flu vaccine is given as a shot and is a killed virus. It is considered a safe vaccine although there are some reactions to watch for.

Injection Site Reactions

• There may be some soreness at the spot where the shot was given. Some will have a small lump in the leg that you can feel for several days after the shot was given.

Fever

• Some babies may have a low (less than 101 degrees F) fever in response to the vaccine. This should only last for a couple of days after the shot.

Fussiness

• Some babies are fussy for a day or two after the flu shot. This may be due to aches caused by the shot.

Serious Side Effects

• There are some reported side effects that are very rare but serious such as hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing. These often are a result of an allergy to the egg component of the vaccine.

Seasonal vs H1N1 Reactions

• Both H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines are made and administered in the same way. Reactions and side effects are considered to be the same for both.