Side effects of vaccination often occur due to the body’s immune response working to fight the ‘infection’. These immunological responses often manifest in inflammatory responses such as fever and pain. Common side effects of vaccination in children include:

• Local reactions
  
  • Pain at site of injection
  • Redness around area of injection
  • Swelling

• Mild reactions
  
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Tiredness or fatigue
  • Muscle pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting

• Severe reactions
  
  • Severe headaches
  • High fever
  • Fainting

Most vaccine injections tend to elicit mild reactions which typically resolve in a few days. In the case that your child’s condition is not improving or becomes worse, seek immediate medical attention.

Most babies and children are fit to receive vaccines following the immunisation schedule set by the Ministry of Health. However, there are certain situations where your child may not be suited for a vaccination, which include:

• When your child is recovering from an illness
• If your child has had a previous reaction to certain vaccines
• If your child is immunocompromised or taking medication that suppresses the immune system

In these cases, it is advisable to consult your family doctor or paediatrician before seeking other options for immunisation. 

For Singaporeans and PR, MediSave can be used to pay for your child’s vaccination. However, certain claims are only applicable to specific criteria such as the age group of your child when receiving the vaccine. Childhood vaccinations under the National Childhood Immunisation schedule, is fully subsidised for Singaporeans.  

The common procedure for a vaccination appointment for your child is as follows:

• Consultation – Our doctors and pediatrician will talk you through what types of vaccines your child needs at their age. You can ask your doctor regarding any questions you may have regarding the vaccine, any side effects, or what to do in case of an allergic reaction.
• Immunisation – The doctor will then deliver the vaccination shot to your child. It is common that children may be scared and react negatively, you can calm and soothe your child or distract them from the doctor giving the injection. It is important to be patient with them and reward good behaviour.
• Monitoring – Once at home, monitor your child’s condition for any adverse reactions. Mild reactions such as local pain or swelling should subside within a day or two. Severe reactions such as high fevers may require hospitalisation, contact your doctor or get to the nearest emergency services in these cases.

Our doctors at Phoenix Medical Group will also update your child’s immunisation record in the National Immunisation Registry, which you can check online to stay updated.

We also carry other types of vaccines like influenza vaccines and Japanese Encephalitis vaccines. Schedule a consultation with our doctors to discuss your child’s needs or book a vaccination appointment to kick start your child’s immunisation journey.

It is important to adhere to the immunisation schedule. However, unforeseen circumstances are not avoidable, if the appointment is missed, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule at the earliest convenience. Completing the doses for immunisation provides effective protection against infections.

No, the study from 1998, which discusses the link between MMR vaccines and autism has been retracted and discredited after numerous studies conducted found no evidence between MMR vaccines and autism risk. This is a good example of misinformation in public health. Due to the widespread misinformation, vaccination rates against MMR dropped, leading to outbreaks of measles in many parts of the world.

In Singapore, under the Infectious Disease Act, measles and diphtheria vaccines are mandatory for a child to start primary school. These diseases are contagious and can be fatal for children whose immune systems are still developing.