Infectious Disease Specialist Questions Flu Vaccine

Flu vaccine

My daughter got her flu vaccine and her arm got a red rash and is itchy about a day after the shot. She is 5 years old, what do i do.

Female | 5 years old
Medications: Mo
Conditions: No

3 Answers

InfectiousDiseaseSpecialistFluVaccine
I have seen these types of reactions in the past, including on myself although still uncommon. If it's just itchy in that location and she has no shortness of breath or any other symptoms, topical Caladryl (it's benadryl combined with calamine) and is over the counter may help in the area to counter the itching. It may be gone in the next 36 hours as well. If it's painful, and she has no contraindications and does ok with anti inflammatory medication like acetaminophen/tylenol or ibuprofen/aleve, that may help her as well.
Thanks for the question. This is an allergic or local immune reaction to the vaccine's contents. If there is no fever, heat, or spread of redness and swelling, use ice to it. If there is pain, heat, or spreading redness, see a doctor to be assured there is no introduced Streptococcal or Clostridial bacterial infection.
Most side effects are mild and go away after 1-2 days. If your 5-year old develops hives after a flu vaccine, you can do the following: 1. Apply a cool, wet cloth or wrapped ice pack over the area. Also a cool shower or bath help. 2. Antihistamines. If the hives (rash) are not accompanied by other symptoms, you can give a dose of Children's Benadryl every four to six hour until the hives subside. 3. If there is pain, give medicine to help make them feel comfortable (Children's Tylenol or Children's Advil). Although serious side effects are rare, if they do it is important to act. Most cases of hives (rashes) are not serious, and your child should start to look less blotchy and feel less itchy within a few hours to a few days. Of course, if you have any concerns, its a good idea to call your childs doctor. Please seek medical attention if your child has the following symptoms besides the hives. 1. Signs or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (for example, hives that cover a large area of the body, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips). 2. Any other worrisome signs or symptoms (for example, dehydration, not eating or drinking, severe vomiting or diarrhea, weakness, paleness, difficulty waking, or crying non-stop for a long time or longer than usual).