My 4 and a half year old recieved 4 immunizations on Wed. Yesterday when I picked him up from his dads his left arm has a hard, hot, swollen, and red spot on his arm, about 3 inches long and 2.5 inches wide. The doctors office said its a bacterial infection from the injection. I have never heard of this, nor experianced it. Anyone know how this happens? Or if it could be a allergic reaction to one of the 2 injections given in that arm?
Thank you everyone. The shots he was given were, Polio, MMR, chicken pox, and a tetnus booster shot. His arm had gotten worse, so I called the doctor and we were sent the the GRAPES clinic (grand rapids area peds emergencey services). It is a bacterial infection from the shot. They put him on Keflex, and it has already gotten better. Thank you all for the the great advice.
I would think it's more likely an allergic type reaction than an infection. I used to get the same type of thing after TB tests. It would be about the size of a half dollar, red, warm, raised. It always showed up a couple days after the TB test was read. If I put a little cortisone cream on it, it went away pretty quickly. Fortunately, at his age he probably won't be due for any more vaccines for a long time.
Good luck!
I am a pediatric nurse and have seen this occasionally. It is cellulitis (bacterial infection on the skin) and needs to be treated with antibiotics.
Its a reaction to the shot. I would give him benedryl till it goes away. If it gets worse take him in. His body is rejecting the shot and whats in the shot. His ammune system has to get use to the foreign bacteria inputted in his system he will be fine he may sleep alot because benedryl makes you tired and I am sure his ammune system is kicking right now too so. He will be fine. If you want take him in tuesday.
You need to make sure that the vaccine reaction is reported to the VAERS database.
Call the NVIC (National Vaccine Info Center) for more info -- one of the experts used to live in the Detroit area. (Vicky DeBold PhD)
Google video has an informative presentation by Mary Tocco for folks to watch about vaccines.
Which shots did he get?
Yes. Same thing happened to my son when he was little. Sometimes if you rub or touch the spot where the injection was given bacteria will get in there. It will be fine, just make sure you have it looked at to make sure. I had to complete a document regarding the reaction for the health dept.
It's not really a reaction to the immunizations, I was told that when it happened to us the shot didn't go into the just right layer of tissues. Which makes it hot and swollen and hard. The best way to get rid of it quicker is an icepack to help reduce the swelling. That's what we used for my son on recommendation from the Dr.
I would call and let your office know that it swelled up and is like that though.
C.
Whatever you do DO NOT GIVE HIM TYLENOL!!
It will intensify any reaction that he is having, and yes, look up Mary Tocco and read what she has to say, google ingredients in vaccines, and then you won't have to wonder why he has such a bad reaction.
They are poison, and I'm not being dramatic!
I can't say enough about NOT VACCINATING! anyone reading, if you think it's good to vaccinate, buy Mary Tocco's DVD, it will all make sense, also google A LOT.
R.; yes this can often happen and the paper about the shot even states that where the shot was given can be read and feel that way, my oldest always took shots hard, it was tough for him, he always ran a fever and did not feel well for a day or two after, let the spot heal and dont bump it it will be tender, continue to keep your dr alert to signs of things, and stay on top of it, so it dont worsen, its ok, and seems normal, but you are a smart woman to keep up on it, keep up the good work, and have a good day , D. s
Yes, you can get a bacterial infection from a vaccination. Bacteria is everywhere- on our skin, in the air and environment. This is why we use alcohol to clean and sterilize the area before the vaccinations, however, this isn't always enough. The syringe needle can push a small amount of bacteria into the skin when the vaccination is given. Bacteria thrives in warm, dark, and moist locations- such as under the skin or in the ears. Additionally, a child's immune system hasn't quite learned the "right" way to react, so it will often overcompensate with a reaction. Make sure your doctor is aware of the reaction- it may definitely be bacterial or it may also be an allergic response. At the next appointment, your doctor may also give an additional medication with the vaccination, typically a higher dose of antihistamine to help your child's body not overreact as much the next time. They can also give you the proper dose of Benadryl to give and it might not be a bad idea to give it 1/2 hour before vaccinations are given next. Our bodies are all different, with different biologies and immune responses but vaccinating is very important. Your doctor will definitely know the right course of action.
Good luck and I hope that helps.
