What to expect after immunisation: Young people

This information tells you about the common side effects of immunisations that might occur in young people from 12 to 18 years of age.

This information is to be used as a guide only. You should always seek advice from your GP or Health Visitor if you're worried.

After immunisations given to young people

The most common side effects are at the site where the injection was given. These include:

• swelling
• redness
• tenderness
• a small hard lump

These symptoms usually pass within a couple of days and you don’t need to do anything about them. If you're still not happy with your child's reaction to any immunisation, speak to your practice nurse or GP.

After the HPV vaccination

Mild side effects of the HPV immunisation can include:

• slightly raised temperature
• sickness
• diarrhoea
• itching
• rash
• joint pain

After the Td/IPV vaccination

Mild side effects of the Td/IPV immunisation can include:

• headaches
• dizziness
• feeling sick
• swollen glands
• fever

How to treat a fever in children

After the MMR vaccination

MMR is made up of 3 different vaccines (measles, mumps and rubella) which can cause reactions at different times after the injection.

Side effects after 6 to 10 days

After 6 to 10 days the measles vaccine starts to work and may cause a:

• fever
• measles-like rash
• loss of appetite

Side effects at 2 to 3 weeks

At around 2 to 3 weeks after the injection the mumps vaccine may cause mumps-like symptoms (fever and swollen glands).

Side effects at 12 to 14 days

Most commonly around 12 to 14 days after the injection, the rubella vaccine may cause a brief rash and possibly a slightly raised temperature. On rare occasions, a rash may also occur up to 6 weeks later.

Further information and other languages/formats

More information on vaccines for young people can be found in these leaflets, available in multiple languages and formats: