Can My Baby Get Vaccinated After a Cold? Pediatric Vaccine Timing Explained

Vaccination schedule?

Hello Doctor, I was originally scheduled to administer the varicella and rubella vaccines at the beginning of this month.
However, my baby developed roseola and had a fever, and after a week, he caught a cold.
Now, after another week, my baby is one year and one month old and still has not received those two vaccinations.
I would like to ask if it is possible to administer the vaccines now, considering that he only has nasal congestion and a runny nose without a fever, and his activity level is normal.
Or do we need to wait until he is completely recovered before administering the vaccines? Thank you for taking the time to respond!

Amy, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/21

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

As long as there is no fever, severe acute illness, or the individual is not taking high doses of corticosteroids, vaccination can be administered.
Mild nasal congestion is acceptable for vaccination.
I believe the diseases that the vaccine prevents are still quite dangerous, so it is important to get vaccinated as early as possible.

Reply Date: 2017/02/21

More Info

When it comes to vaccinating infants and young children, timing is crucial, especially after they have experienced illnesses such as colds or fevers. In your case, your baby has had a roseola rash followed by a cold, and now presents with mild symptoms like nasal congestion and a runny nose, but no fever and normal activity levels.
According to pediatric guidelines, it is generally safe to administer vaccines when a child is experiencing mild upper respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose or nasal congestion, as long as they do not have a fever or more severe illness. The presence of mild symptoms does not typically contraindicate vaccination. However, it is essential to ensure that the child is otherwise healthy and able to tolerate the vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that children should be vaccinated even if they have mild illnesses, as long as they are not severely ill. This means that if your baby is active, eating well, and does not have a fever, it is likely safe to proceed with the vaccinations for chickenpox and rubella.

It is also important to note that vaccines can sometimes cause mild side effects, such as fever or irritability, which can be confused with symptoms of illness. Therefore, if your child has just recovered from an illness, it is wise to monitor them closely after vaccination for any potential reactions.
In terms of timing, if your baby has been symptom-free for a while and is currently only experiencing mild symptoms, you should consult with your pediatrician. They can provide personalized advice based on your child's health history and current condition. If your pediatrician agrees that your child is healthy enough for vaccination, you can proceed.

In summary, as long as your baby is not exhibiting any severe symptoms and is otherwise healthy, it is generally acceptable to proceed with vaccinations. However, always consult with your healthcare provider for the best course of action tailored to your child's specific health needs. Vaccination is a critical step in protecting your child from preventable diseases, and ensuring that they receive their vaccines on schedule is important for their long-term health.

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