Can a child with mouth ulcers receive vaccinations?

Jun 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

The child has recently developed mouth ulcers and needs to receive a vaccination soon. May I ask if it is okay for the child to receive the vaccine while having mouth ulcers?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
Whether a child can receive a vaccine during an episode of mouth ulcer should be determined according to specific circumstances. Generally speaking, mouth ulcers themselves do not directly affect vaccines, so vaccination may be considered under certain circumstances. However, during the period of mouth ulcers, a child's immunity may be relatively weakened, which is not conducive to vaccine absorption or generating effective protective immunity. If the mouth ulcer is caused by an infection with pathogenic microorganisms, and the ulcer can heal on its own once the child's resistance recovers, vaccination may be considered under such circumstances. However, if the mouth ulcer is caused by trauma, immune factors, nutritional deficiencies, or other non-infectious factors, vaccination should be avoided during the ulcer period, as it may intensify pain, increase the risk of infection, and potentially affect drug absorption. It is recommended to consult a qualified physician to understand the cause and severity of the child's mouth ulcer, as well as the child's overall health status, in order to make the most appropriate decision.