• Knowledgebase: Immunization Questions

    Questions about immunizations, side effects, and not vaccinating.

    12. Should my child get his shots while he is sick? - Top

    Many people are under the assumption that when children are ill, the vaccines will not work as well or have more side effects. This has been evaluated by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and neither of these occur. With this in mind, most children with mild illnesses can receive their vaccinations. Mild illness is defined as slight runny nose, mild diarrhea, temperature below 100 degree, slight cough, or ear infection under treatment. Because of frequent illnesses in children during the Fall-Winter-Spring months, it is difficult to find infants without some mild illness, therefore, they should receive their vaccines so as not to fall behind.

    If you have any doubt about whether your child can receive their vaccines, call your physician before the visit and describe her symptoms and they will advise about coming in or rescheduling.

    - Updated: March 22, 2001

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    • James L Horwitz, MD

    David C. Thomas, MD

    Barbara Lindberg, PNP