After your school immunisation - HE1313

Reviewed
June 2026
This resource relates to the following topics:

Information for school children and their families following immunisation.

Download resource

Download PDF

Order resource

Details

Reviewed
June 2026
Updated
June 2026
Format
A5 pad of 25 leaflets
HE code
HE1313
Language
English
Available languages

The full resource:

Information for parents and caregivers following vaccination at school

You can also book vaccines online at Book a vaccine or phone 0800 28 29 26 (weekdays)

 

Dear Parent/Guardian

You consented for your child to be immunised at school today.

How your child may feel after the immunisation and what can help

What you may feel

What can help

When this could start

Swelling and pain at the injection site (hard and sore to touch)


Heavy arm

Do not rub the injection site Place a cold, wet cloth or ice pack where the injection was given.

Leave it on for a short time.

Within 6 to 24 hours

Feeling unwell or tired
A fever or aching muscles*

Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed (as recommended by your healthcare provider)

Within 6 to 24 hours
* These symptoms may not be related to the vaccine, and could be signs of an unrelated illness. Seek medical advice if you are concerned.

MMR vaccine – a rash and fever (very rare)

No treatment is required. The rash is not infectious

Between 5 and 12 days after immunisation


Important note about Gardasil 9 (HPV vaccination)

The approved course of Gardasil 9 is two doses. However, research shows that one dose gives the same protection for children aged 9 to 14 years.

Your child will be offered one dose of Gardasil 9 through the School Based Immunisation Programme.

A second dose is free and can be accessed from your doctor, local pharmacy, or community health provider at least six months after the first dose. Dose 2 is due at least 6 months from the date of receiving dose 1.

Questions or concerns

  • Contact the vaccinator directly (during school hours) 
  • Contact your family doctor (GP) or medical centre
  • Call Healthline free on 0800 611 116 anytime
  • Please do not contact the school about medical concerns.

Reporting unexpected reactions

It is important to inform your vaccinator about any unexpected symptoms after your immunisation. Health professionals should report suspected reactions to the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM) but you can also report these by visiting CARM

Product Limitation