Question

A newborn experienced redness at the injection site after receiving the hepatitis vaccine. Is this a normal reaction or another issue?

Answer

It is normal for some children to experience redness at the injection site after vaccination. This reaction usually appears within 12 to 24 hours after vaccination and subsides within 48 to 72 hours. The extent of redness and swelling can range from mild to severe, and sometimes may be accompanied by slight pain and swelling. In such cases, the following measures can be taken:

  1. Keep the injection site clean and dry.
  2. Apply a local cold compress to reduce swelling and pain.
  3. Observe the area of redness and its severity; if the condition does not improve or other discomforts arise, contact a doctor promptly. Not all babies will experience redness after receiving the hepatitis vaccine. However, if a baby has a history of allergies or sensitivity to specific vaccine components, the risk of adverse reactions may increase. Therefore, doctors usually inquire about the baby’s health status and medical history before vaccination to assess any potential special circumstances.