Anyone Deal with Extreme Swelling from MMR or Chicken Pox Vaccine?

I don't have any experience with swelling from a vaccination and I don't want to freak you out or make you worry but you need to watch for infection. If you see any redness from the shot sight that travels up or down the arm you need to take him in right away. I'm sure that it is just a reaction to the vaccine but I didn't know that any shot, bite, sting, etc. could lead to infection and I found out the hard way. When in doubt ask for him to be looked at for your own peace of mind.

1 mom found this helpful

we had the same thing happen this way, i gave daughter some benadryl because she was trying to itch it. It was gone by the next day (well you could see it but not all red and crazy looking). Good luck!

If you have any doubt, take him to the doctor regardless of what they say over the phone. Last year I spoke with the nurse in our 2 year old's peds office concerning a fever of 103 degrees that came on suddenly after he awoke from his nap at daycare. The nurse minimized my concerns and said it's likely just a cold - I took him in anyway and the doctor immediately diagnosed him with pneumonia. The symptoms your son is experiencing MAY be within the realm of possible reactions to this shot, but you make the call regardless of what they say. Good luck; I hope it's nothing.
C.

Hi E. ,

Im glad someone is asking this question , my 4yr just recieved his MMR on Wed and I was a little freaked yesterday when I saw his arm , it was hot to touch and double the size ( 1st time for any reaction regarding shots) I call the ped and she stated it was normal for the shot and to do the same give him motrin and a warm bath , and if in a few days the swelling doesnt go away call her back . Day 2 and the redness and swelling has gone down a lttle but I sure freaked . Im glad to see another mom with the same concerns. Oh by the way he had no other reactions .

Good luck and keep giving the motrin

K. SAHM 2 crazy toddler & expecting 3 (girl) in early Dec.

That happened to a friend's child and after a few days it was OK, but it was scary at the time (her child was also limping.)

Hi E.,
My daughter had that happen with her tetanus shot at age 5. They told me to do the same thing and after a few days it went down. I think as long as your son doesn't get a fever or something scary, then he'll probably be okay.
It is awful to look at, isn't it?
Best of luck!
M.

My Dr. gives the shots in the legs/thighs. Maybe ask for that mext time, they are meatier places.

It's common to see it, I have seen it many times. I'm surprised that the nurse didn't give it separately in each arm/leg; both MMR and varicella vaccine are KNOWN to cause swelling and pain. Giving it in the same arm...no wonder! Best of luck and he'll be ok. As long as he doesn't show signs of breathing problems, swelling of the mouth/tongue. That would mean it is more of a systemic reaction than a local reaction.

You need to make sure you are educated on vaccines. There can be some dangerous reactions. One reaction now could have worst ones later. I know we trust our doctors but we the parents have to be as educated as possible when it comes to our kids. Check out these websites to start. www.icpa4kids.org & www.mercola.com