Key facts
- Most common side effects are minor and go away after a couple of days.
- You can reduce them with rest, fluids, not overdressing and paracetamol.
- Serious reactions are very rare.
Common side effects
Vaccines are safe and effective. Like all medicines, they can cause side effects. Most side effects are mild and go away after a few days.
Most side effects are a sign that your body is starting to build immunity (protection) against a disease.
All vaccines
Common reactions to all vaccines include:
- mild fever
- pain, redness, itching, swelling or burning where the needle went in
- fainting and muscle aches (teenagers and adults)
- being unsettled, grizzly, unhappy and sleepy (babies).
These are generally mild and usually last for one to 2 days.
You or your child may also get a small hard lump where the needle went in. This may last for many weeks, but it does not need treatment.
Specific vaccines
To find out about the side effects of specific vaccines:
- see the National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines
- search for a vaccine’s consumer information on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website.
Manage common side effects
To reduce many of the common side effects, you or your child can:
- rest
- drink extra fluids
- dress to stay cool if you feel hot
- put a cold wet cloth where the needle went in
- take paracetamol for pain or fever (follow the instructions on the label).
For simple guidance, see Following vaccination – what to expect and what to do.
Rare side effects
Serious reactions to vaccines are very rare. These need medical attention immediately.
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
This type of allergic reaction happens suddenly, usually within 15 minutes of being vaccinated, sometimes within hours.
Early signs include:
- redness or itching of the skin
- swelling of face and throat.
- breathing difficulties
- a cough that won’t go away
- hoarse voice
- feeling distressed.
Learn about other anaphylaxis symptoms on the Healthdirect website.
Seizures in young children
Some young children (especially aged from one to 3 years) are more prone to seizures when they have a high fever after a vaccine.
The seizure usually lasts for about 20 seconds. Very rarely, it can last for more than 2 minutes.
Bowel obstruction (intussusception)
This is a very rare side effect that may occur in a baby after getting the rotavirus vaccine. Symptoms include:
- pain in the tummy
- looking pale
- becoming irritable.
When to seek medical advice
See a health professional or go to a hospital if:
- paracetamol is not helping with pain or fever
- your, or your child’s reactions are bad, not going away or getting worse
- you or your child have any of the rare side effects
- you are worried in any way.
How to report side effects
Reporting side effects gives us a better understanding of the safety of vaccines.
You can:
- report to your state or territory health service
- report a side effect to the Therapeutic Goods Administration, online or by phone
- email, fax or post the National Adverse Events Following Immunisation form.
If you're not sure how to report a side effect, a health professional can help.
Adverse events following vaccination
Any negative reaction that follows vaccination is called an 'adverse event after vaccination (AEFI)'. A serious AEFI is one that is considered life-threatening.
Your healthcare provider should explain this before giving you a vaccine. As most adverse events start within 10 minutes, they should observe you for 15 minutes after you get your vaccine.
They can also give you treatment if you experience an adverse reaction like anaphylaxis, febrile convulsions (febrile seizures), fainting (vasovagal episode) or bowel obstruction (intussusception).
Getting vaccinated after a prior serious adverse event
If you have had anaphylaxis after a certain vaccine, or something in it, you cannot have that vaccine again.
If you have had another serious AEFI, you may be able to be vaccinated again with close medical supervision.
Most people who have had a mild reaction to a vaccine can safely have future vaccinations. Talk to a health professional if you're unsure.
Most states and territories offer an adverse event immunisation clinic where parents or carers can:
- get advice regarding revaccination
- receive supervised vaccinations if required.
Where there is no clinic, there is often a paediatrician or infectious diseases specialist who will assist families.
Contact your state or territory health department for more information about adverse event immunisation services.
More information
Side effects for children and teens
Find out more about what to expect after your child’s vaccine visit or after your teen’s vaccine visit.
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