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Vaccine Side Effects


A vaccine side effect can be defined as an "adverse reaction" to a vaccine.Most vaccines have some "local" side effects such as pain, redness, swelling, or a small lump at the site of injection. These side effects usually resolve in a few days, although lumps may take weeks or longer to resolve. Occasionally, vaccines may have some "general" side-effects such as fever, headache, muscle aches and pains, or a rash - these side effects may be caused by the vaccine or may be symptoms of a coincidental illness (e.g. viral infection). Again, these side effects usually resolve in a few days (unless they were caused by a coincidental illness). Rarely, in about 1 in every million vaccinations, a vaccine causes asevere allergic reaction called "anaphylaxis", that begin minutes after the vaccination and includes symptoms such as severe anxiety, hives (itchy skin rash), swelling of the lips and face, difficulty breathing, or collapse. The treatment for anaphylaxis is the immediate injection of adrenaline, which stops the allergic reaction.

If a vaccine side effect occurs following one of a series of vaccinations, then, unless the side effect was severe, the series of vaccinations should be completed. If you are concerned about completing a series of vaccinations after a vaccine side effect, then consult your immunisation provider.

To reduce pain from vaccinations:

  • Give paracetamol – do not exceed the recommended maximum dosage on the label. Doses of paracetamol should not usually be given less than 4 hours apart.
  • Place a cold, wet cloth over the injection site for pain, redness, or swelling. Note that some infants may not move a limb while the injection site is painful – this will resolve as the pain disappears.

To reduce fever from vaccinations:

  • Give extra fluids (e.g. more breast feeds or water) to prevent dehydration.
  • Cool the child slowly by removing extra clothing or fanning. Bathing in cool water is not recommended because it may cause shivering, which can increase the core body temperature.
  • Give paracetamol (see above).

If you are concerned about any symptoms that occur after vaccination, contact your doctor, community nurse, local hospital or HealthDirect on (Free Call) 1800 022 222.

More information
immunise.health.gov.au
ncirs.usyd.edu.au

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Rabies



Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral disease which occurs in more than 150 countries and territories. Dogs are the source of the vast majority of human rabies deaths, contributing up to 99% of all rabies transmissions to humans. Rabies elimination is feasible by vaccinating dogs.




Infection causes tens of thousands of deaths every year, mostly in Asia and Africa. 40% of people who are bitten by suspect rabid animals are children under 15 years of age. Immediate wound cleansing with soap and water after contact with a suspect rabid animal can be life-saving. Every year, more than 15 million people worldwide receive a post-bite vaccination. This is estimated to prevent hundreds of thousands of rabies deaths annually.

Preventive immunization

The same safe and effective vaccines can be used for pre-exposure immunization. This is recommended for travellers spending a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural areas, involved in activities such as bicycling, camping, or hiking as well as for long-term travellers and expatriates living in areas with a significant risk of exposure to dog bites.


Pre-exposure immunization is also recommended for people in certain high-risk occupations such as laboratory workers dealing with live rabies virus and other rabies-related viruses (lyssaviruses), and people involved in any activities that might bring them professionally or otherwise into direct contact with bats, carnivores, and other mammals in rabies-affected areas. As children are considered at higher risk because they tend to play with animals, may receive more severe bites, or may not report bites, their immunization could be considered if living in or visiting high-risk areas.

WHO information page

The information in the above were collected from the internet,
either from government websites or from reasonably reliable health information sources.
They are for general information only and should not replace the need of seeking medical care during illnesses.

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