Can My Child Get Vaccinated After Hand Foot Mouth Disease?

Vaccination is available?

My son was born at 90/10/10.
On the morning of April 10, he developed red rashes on the palms and backs of his hands.
The doctor said it was hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) caused by enterovirus.
However, the rashes only increased slightly the next day, and their color began to fade.
As of now (April 15), there are no other abnormalities, although he is not very fond of drinking milk (but he has always been somewhat picky about milk).
Is it really enterovirus? Is it safe for him to receive the third dose of the combined vaccine on April 20?

Shi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/04/15

Dr. Liang Hongjian reply Pediatrics

Thank you, Ms.
Shih, for your inquiry.
In addition to pharyngitis, enteroviruses commonly cause hand, foot, and mouth disease, both of which are caused by Coxsackievirus A.
In clinical practice, there are some atypical cases, such as your child, where rashes may only appear on the palms or soles.
Since your family physician has highly suspected an enterovirus infection, the diagnosis in this case is valid.
Generally, the course of enterovirus infection lasts about a week, and by the later stages of the illness, the body has developed antibodies against the virus, which reduces the likelihood of complications during this period.
Based on your child's course of illness, they may have already recovered by April 20.
Additionally, do not forget to have your family physician re-evaluate before administering any vaccinations.

Reply Date: 2002/04/15

More Info

When it comes to vaccinating a child after a diagnosis of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), there are several important considerations to keep in mind. HFMD is commonly caused by enteroviruses, particularly coxsackievirus A16 and enterovirus 71. It typically presents with fever, mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet. While most cases are mild and self-limiting, it is understandable for parents to be concerned about the timing of vaccinations following such an illness.

In your case, your child developed red rashes on the palms and backs of the hands, which were diagnosed as likely due to an enterovirus. The fact that the rashes have started to fade and that your child has not exhibited any other concerning symptoms is a positive sign. Generally, children can receive vaccinations as long as they are not experiencing a moderate to severe illness at the time of the vaccination. Mild illnesses, such as a common cold or mild rash, do not usually contraindicate vaccination.

According to the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children who have had a mild illness, such as HFMD, can typically receive their vaccinations as scheduled. In your case, since your child has shown no significant symptoms other than a mild rash and a slight decrease in appetite, it should be safe to proceed with the scheduled vaccination on April 20th.
However, it is essential to ensure that your child is not experiencing any fever or other significant symptoms on the day of the vaccination. If your child appears to be recovering well and is otherwise healthy, the vaccination can help protect against other serious diseases that the combination vaccine covers, such as measles, mumps, and rubella.

In terms of care following HFMD, it is crucial to maintain good hydration, especially if your child is reluctant to drink milk or other fluids. Offering a variety of fluids, such as water, diluted juice, or electrolyte solutions, can help keep your child hydrated. Additionally, soft foods may be more appealing if mouth sores are present, as they can make eating uncomfortable.

If you have any lingering concerns or if your child's condition changes, it is always best to consult with your pediatrician or healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your child's specific health status and vaccination history.

In summary, as long as your child is not exhibiting any significant illness on the day of the vaccination, it is generally safe to proceed with the scheduled immunization following an episode of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Keeping an open line of communication with your healthcare provider will ensure that you make the best decisions for your child's health.

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