In a word, yes. Many parents worry that vaccinating a sick child will overburden an immune system that is already fighting an infection -- but that's not the case. Studies have shown that children with diarrhea and ear, skin and upper respiratory tract infections can all safely and effectively receive immunizations. In addition, there's no evidence that vaccines are less effective when given to sick children.
However, if you and your child can go back to the doctor for another visit within a week or so, there's nothing wrong with delaying the shots until your child feels better.
However, if your child has a fever (i.e., a temperature over 101.5 F), we do recommend postponing the shots until the fever is gone. Why? Because many vaccines cause a slight temperature elevation, a sign that the body's immune system is doing what it is supposed to do. We don't want that elevated temperature to distract us from whatever caused the fever in the first place.
Has your child ever had a reaction to a flu shot? Join the conversation.
