Is it safe for I or my child to get vaccinated when we are sick? Should we stay home from the vaccination appointment?

Most of the time, it is safe to get vaccines when you or your child are sick with a mild or moderate illness, even if there is a fever. These illnesses do not change the effectiveness of vaccines or increase the risk of vaccine side effects. 

 

Examples of mild or moderate illnesses include the common cold, ear infections, and gastrointestinal illnesses. If you or your child are taking antibiotics or antivirals, there is no need to delay most vaccines.

 

Severe illness may be a reason to delay vaccination. If you or your child have a serious illness, talk to your doctor or public health nurse. They can help determine if it is safe to get vaccinated or reschedule your vaccination appointment.

 

Waiting until you or your child are recovered from an illness that can spread from person to person (like COVID-19) ensures that you are not putting others at risk of infection at the vaccination clinic. Further, it is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between the worsening of an illness and potential vaccine side effects. 

 

Due to COVID-19, there are enhanced infection control measures at vaccination clinics. Please get in touch with your local health unit, doctor’s office or pharmacy before an appointment. You can also call 8-1-1 and discuss your concerns with a nurse anytime, day or night.