Vaccine Safety
Vaccines are biological medicines and are subject to the same quality, safety, and efficacy requirements as other medicines.
Vaccines are administered to healthy people to prevent disease, and their side effects are rare and mild; however, like other medicines, vaccines are not entirely free of side effects.
Only those vaccines and medicines for which the benefits clearly outweigh the potential risks are granted marketing authorization.
Before vaccination, a healthcare professional will assess whether you have any contraindications (e.g., allergies to excipients). They will also explain possible reactions and side effects to you and provide the package insert.
The package insert lists side effects that have been observed both in clinical trials and during marketing.
You can view the vaccine package inserts in the Medicines Register.
Most side effects caused by vaccines are mild, resolve within a few days, and do not require treatment. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
Common side effects of vaccination (occurring in about 1% of patients) include pain at the injection site, swelling, redness, and general symptoms such as fever, weakness, loss of appetite, or headache.
Rarely, the following may occur: extensive swelling at the injection site, a temporary decrease in platelet count following the MMR vaccine, or a severe allergic reaction. The latter is very rare—about one case per million vaccinated individuals.
Most side effects caused by vaccines are mild, resolve within a few days, and do not require treatment. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
Common side effects of vaccination (occurring in about 1% of patients) include pain at the injection site, swelling, redness, and general symptoms such as fever, weakness, loss of appetite, or headache.
Rarely, the following may occur: extensive swelling at the injection site, a temporary decrease in platelet count following the MMR vaccine, or a severe allergic reaction. The latter is very rare—about one case per million vaccinated individuals.
What to do if side effects occur?
If you suspect a side effect from the vaccination, contact your family doctor or call the family doctor’s advice line at 1220. In a situation requiring urgent medical attention, call the emergency number 112.
If a fever rises above 38 °C after vaccination, you can reduce it with acetaminophen. Information on the recommended dose can be found on the medication packaging and in the package insert; if necessary, ask a pharmacist, nurse, or family doctor for advice.
For a swollen and red injection site, you can apply a cool compress using a 20% alcohol solution, chamomile tea, or simply cold water.
If the child is restless and tearful, the cause may be pain at the injection site, which can also be relieved with paracetamol.
If you suspect a side effect from the vaccination, contact your family doctor or call the family doctor’s advice line at 1220. In a situation requiring urgent medical attention, call the emergency number 112.
If a fever rises above 38 °C after vaccination, you can reduce it with acetaminophen. Information on the recommended dose can be found on the medication packaging and in the package insert; if necessary, ask a pharmacist, nurse, or family doctor for advice.
For a swollen and red injection site, you can apply a cool compress using a 20% alcohol solution, chamomile tea, or simply cold water.
If the child is restless and tearful, the cause may be pain at the injection site, which can also be relieved with paracetamol.
It is recommended to stay in the doctor’s office or waiting room for 15–30 minutes after vaccination so that a very rare severe allergic reaction can be treated immediately if necessary.
Such a reaction may manifest as a widespread itchy rash, swelling of the eyes and face, or difficulty breathing and swallowing. If a severe reaction occurs only after you have left the clinic, call an ambulance immediately.
If side effects that occur after vaccination are unusually bothersome and/or last longer than 2–3 days, you should consult a doctor. If serious health damage occurs as a result of vaccination, it is possible to apply for vaccine damage compensation.
It is recommended to stay in the doctor’s office or waiting room for 15–30 minutes after vaccination so that a very rare severe allergic reaction can be treated immediately if necessary.
Such a reaction may manifest as a widespread itchy rash, swelling of the eyes and face, or difficulty breathing and swallowing. If a severe reaction occurs only after you have left the clinic, call an ambulance immediately.
If side effects that occur after vaccination are unusually bothersome and/or last longer than 2–3 days, you should consult a doctor. If serious health damage occurs as a result of vaccination, it is possible to apply for vaccine damage compensation.