Immunizations: When To Call A Doctor

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When to Call a Doctor

Call 911 or other emergency services if you or your child has a severe reaction to any immunization as indicated by:

• A major allergic reaction, such as a severe asthma episode, severe problems breathing or swallowing, or hives.
• Significant changes in alertness within 7 days of getting immunized.
• A seizure.
• Collapsing.

Call your doctor immediately if:

• Your child has signs of a severe reaction within 2 to 3 days after an immunization. For example, call your doctor if your child cries for more than 3 hours and cannot be consoled or has a fever of or higher. For more information about a fever, see the topics:
  • Fever, Age 3 and Younger.
  • Fever, Age 4 and Older.
• You or your child has any unusual reaction after receiving an immunization.

Call your doctor if:

• Redness and swelling at the site of the shot (injection) persists for more than 48 hours after you are immunized.
• A fever lasts for more than 48 hours after you or your child received a shot.

Talk with your doctor about whether you need special immunizations because of:

• Close contact with people who have an infectious disease.
• Planned international travel, especially to developing countries.
• Living with or visiting a pregnant woman or infant.
• A person with an impaired immune system in your household.

Last updated:	November 21, 2008
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC