Vaccinations

In Finland, the national vaccination program is implemented at child health clinics and by school nurses.

The most common reactions to vaccines include topical reactions around the injection site:

  • redness
  • burning
  • swelling
  • pain

 

    Allergic reactions are rare. Symptoms are typically skin symptoms including urticaria, redness, burning, swelling and rash.
          

      Typical reactions to different vaccines

     

    BCG (tuberculosis)

    • A discharging ulcer (blister) appears at the site of the injection and dries in a few weeks. The reaction confirms that the vaccination has been successful. 

     

    MPR (measles, mumps and rubella)

    • irritability, fever after 7 to 12 days of the injection 

     

    PDT (DTwP) (pertussis (whooping cough), diphteria, tetanus) 

    • tenderness at the injection site, fever a couple of days after the injection

     

    Polio (IPV) 

    • some children may develop a mild fever

     

    Hib (haemophilus influenza bacteria) 

    • typically no reactions

     

    Td (tetanus, diphteria) 

    • typically no reactions

     

    Alleviate the symptoms by giving your child antipyretics and/or analgesics. If the symptoms are unclear or severe, contact the child health clinic or local health center.