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Do polio vaccinations have any side effects?

Most children don’t have any side effects, but in some cases there may be a reaction at the place where the injection was given. The most common reactions include:

  • swelling;
  • redness; and
  • a small lump.

After vaccination, young children may sometimes become unsettled for a day or two and may develop a fever. Older children may also have a fever, tiredness, muscle aches, headache or loss of appetite for a day or two.

These side effects usually go away quickly. More serious side effects are very rare.