Immunisations
Some children may develop a fever after their vaccinations. They should be kept cool, offered cold drinks and given an appropriate antipyretic €“ a drug used to prevent/reduce fever (such as paracetamol or ibuprofen). Parents may also be advised to give paracetamol to prevent fever after the meningitis B (MenB) vaccine, which is usually given at two and four months of age.
A total of three doses of 120mg/5ml strength suspension is recommended €“ 2.5ml as soon as possible after vaccination and then two more 2.5ml doses at four to six hour intervals. Parents of babies born prematurely (before 32 weeks) need to check the dose with their GP.
Red flags
If a child has symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia (blood poisoning), they need urgent medical attention.
Early symptoms of meningitis are similar to flu. Other symptoms include:
- A stiff neck
- A bad headache
- Dislike of bright lights
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness/reduced responsiveness
- Convulsions/fits
- A rash
- Babies/toddlers may refuse to eat, not want to be touched or held, have a tense or bulging fontanelle, have a stiff body with jerky movements or be floppy.
Signs of septicaemia include:
- Reduced responsiveness
- Severe pains in arms, legs and joints
- Very cold hands and feet
- Rapid breathing
- Red/purple spots that don't fade
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps
- Fever.