Is it normal to have a fever after receiving the quadrivalent vaccine?
Nov 20, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
It is possible to develop a fever after receiving the quadrivalent vaccine as a normal reaction. Vaccines are made from weakened or inactivated viruses or bacteria, and once introduced into the body, they can trigger an immune response, prompting the immune system to produce antibodies, which may result in fever. However, fever could also be abnormal. After vaccination, if one catches a cold due to exposure to cold, or fails to properly care for the injection site leading to local infection, these factors can also cause fever.
Fever, also known as pyrexia, may occur after receiving the quadrivalent vaccine. This could be a normal vaccine reaction, or it might result from abnormal factors such as colds or infections.
1. Normal: Fever following administration of the quadrivalent vaccine is commonly due to a normal vaccine response. Vaccines are made from weakened or inactivated viruses or bacteria. Once introduced into the body, they trigger an immune response, prompting the immune system to produce antibodies, which may lead to fever. Such fevers are usually low-grade and resolve spontaneously within 1–2 days.
2. Abnormal: After vaccination, fever may also result from catching a cold due to exposure to cold conditions, typically accompanied by symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing—this represents an abnormal situation. Additionally, if proper care is not taken of the injection site, local infection may develop, leading to fever. In such cases, the fever tends to be high-grade and is often associated with redness, swelling, and pain around the injection site.
Low-grade fevers caused by vaccines do not require special treatment and can be alleviated by drinking more fluids and getting adequate rest. However, if fever results from other illnesses, prompt medical consultation is important. In cases of high fever, antipyretic medications should be taken as directed by a physician, such as ibuprofen capsules or acetaminophen tablets.
