giving acetaminophen to children before vaccinations MIGHT reduce immunity

November 2009

New evidence suggests that giving acetaminophen to children before vaccinations MIGHT reduce immunity.

It makes theoretical sense. Acetaminophen's useful antipyretic effect might also slightly reduce the immune response to some common childhood vaccines...diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, Hib, and pneumococcal vaccines.

For now, don't recommend routine use of fever reducers BEFORE vaccinations. But tell parents that it's OKAY to give these drugs AFTER vaccination if pain or fever occurs.

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