A 68-year-old patient presents with mild swelling and redness at the injection site and a low-grade fever the day after pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination. What is the most appropriate course of action?

A 68-year-old patient presents with mild swelling and redness at the injection site and a low-grade fever the day after pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination. What is the most appropriate course of action?

• A. Advise the symptoms are common and should resolve within 1-2 days
• B. Refer for emergency evaluation
• C. Advise to stop vaccination
• D. Immediately administer antibiotics

Answer: (A)

Mild local reactions and low-grade fever after vaccination are common and self-limiting. A day after pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination, swelling or redness at the injection site plus a low fever fits a typical post‑vaccination reaction. These usually resolve within 1–2 days without treatment other than supportive care. Reassure the patient and, if needed for comfort, consider standard symptomatic measures (such as acetaminophen) and fluids. No emergency assessment or antibiotics are indicated, and there’s no need to stop vaccination because of a mild, expected reaction. Seek medical help if fever is high, swelling worsens or spreads, there are signs of an allergic reaction, or symptoms persist beyond a couple of days.

Mild local reactions and low-grade fever after vaccination are common and self-limiting. A day after pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination, swelling or redness at the injection site plus a low fever fits a typical post‑vaccination reaction. These usually resolve within 1–2 days without treatment other than supportive care. Reassure the patient and, if needed for comfort, consider standard symptomatic measures (such as acetaminophen) and fluids. No emergency assessment or antibiotics are indicated, and there’s no need to stop vaccination because of a mild, expected reaction. Seek medical help if fever is high, swelling worsens or spreads, there are signs of an allergic reaction, or symptoms persist beyond a couple of days.