Question
What should I do if my baby has a fever after receiving the DPT shot?
Answer
After receiving the diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DPT) vaccine, babies may experience a fever, which is a normal response of the immune system to the vaccine components. Fever usually occurs within a few hours to a few days after vaccination, with temperatures typically ranging from 38°C to 39°C. However, if your baby’s fever exceeds 39°C or is accompanied by other severe symptoms such as persistent vomiting, severe headache, rash, or difficulty breathing, you should immediately contact medical personnel. In most cases, fever does not require special treatment. You can take some home care measures to help your baby feel more comfortable, such as dressing your baby in light clothing, maintaining a moderate room temperature, and providing adequate fluids. If the fever exceeds 38.5°C, you may consider using acetaminophen (such as Tylenol for children) to lower the temperature. Before using any medication, please consult with medical personnel or follow the medication usage instructions. If your baby exhibits other unusual symptoms in addition to fever, such as persistent vomiting, severe headache, rash, or difficulty breathing, you should immediately contact medical personnel to determine the cause of the fever and receive appropriate treatment.