Side Effects from MMR Vaccine

Updated on June 17, 2011
L.K. asks from Los Angeles, CA
10 answers

My 3 year year old finally got her MMR shot last week and the dr said that a small percentage of kids get fevers 7-10 days after receiving the vaccine. On the 8th day after getting it my daughter started to have a low grade fever (started on Tuesday) it is now Thursday and she's still having fever. Up until last night it was about 100 but during the night it went up to 101 and I had to give her Advil. She is acting ok, cranky in morning a little but otherwise normal and there are no other symptoms. So i'm thikning is this the fever from the MMR shot or is she getting sick? Anyone else had similar experience after MMR? And how long did fever last?

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So What Happened?

for those whose kids had fevers after MMR shot was it right after the shot or a week later? it's now been 3 days with fever and it has been increasing..

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C.A.

answers from Tucson on

Its normal. All 3 of mine get fevers after shots. She will be fine. if it goes over 102 then call the dr.

3 moms found this helpful

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P.M.

answers from Portland on

The fever is an indication that her body is responding to the vaccine and working to build immunity. This is probably a good thing, not bad. Today is still within the 10-day window the dr's office mentioned, and the fever is not too high to be considered unsafe in a 3-yo. If she's still having fevers or showing any other new symptoms that worry you in the next day or two, call the advice nurse and ask a question or two.

Best. Hope your sweetie is just experiencing a normal reaction.

3 moms found this helpful
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S.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

My son got a fever about a week after and a rash as well. I called hte DR and he said it was normal and that its good that he's getting a fever b/c that means the vaccine is working. His body is builing the necessary antibodies to the virus which is why he's running a fever. Don't give him medicine unless the fever is bothering her i think (ask ur dr). It should go away after a few days. If it persists for longer than 3 days, I'd call ur doctor.

2 moms found this helpful

B.L.

answers from Missoula on

My son had a seizure right after getting the MMR. Side effects are very common, but I don't know how long they should last. If you're interested you should go to Dr. Tenpenny's page on Facebook and look at all the people who post about stuff like this. It's very educational on vaccines and the dangers.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.C.

answers from Anchorage on

This is totally normal. Just give her meds if it gets over 100. I considered it a very small price to pay for all the protection their vaccines provide! If it persists for over 5 days call the doctor (this is true for any fever).

1 mom found this helpful

C.A.

answers from New York on

That happened to my neighbor. She was very upset and actually angry cause her daughter was sick from it. It turned out that her daughter had a virus and it was not from the shot. She actually got mad at me cause I was right. I kept telling her that the symptoms didn't match what her daughter had. She was convinced that it was because of the shot. My daughter on the other hand never got any fevers from any of her shots. She was totally fine. Keep an eye on her. Her fever is not that high. Give her Motrin. It lasts longer then the tylenol and advil may upset her stomach. This way you are give her less doses per day. The motrin lasts up to 6-8 hours, where tylenol is every 4 hours. Worked like a charm with my daughter. The dr also told me that it is ok to give tylenol BEFORE the shot. This way it is already in their system if they should develope symptoms. I asked him before I did it just to make sure that it was ok to do. Good luck and hope she feels better soon.

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S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

My daughter did not get a fever after the MMR or any other vaccine. I think your description of your daughter's fever fits right with what your doctor mentioned. I would just keep monitoring her for any changes.

H.G.

answers from Dallas on

My son had reactions 2 out of the 3 times he has gotten ut. When he was a yr a wk after the shot he got fever and had a grainy rash all over for about 3 days. When he was 5 he got it in the arm and his baby arm swelled up and turned purple and had fever in it. It looked awful but didn't hurt him. Its normal and that's not a high temp. Hope she feels better!

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S.J.

answers from Los Angeles on

My 13 month son had a 103.5 fever for about 3 days after the MMR shot. The dr had me rotate tylonal and motrin. His fever would come back if the medication stopped. That was no fun. Although it was rare to get such a high fever the dr said not to worry (unless it lasted so many days.... can't remember the details. I must have blocked it from my memory!) Keep her cool and keep the dr in the loop.

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R.C.

answers from Phoenix on

My son developed a fever 7 days after having the MMR at age 2 1/2 and it lasted for 3 days. It never got higher than 102, but he seemed tired and irritable. It went away and no one else developed any of his symptoms.
A little TLC and time will take care of this. My Dr. thankfully warned me not to schedule any vacations or major events for 2 weeks after this vaccine.

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