Vaccines & Antibiotics: A Safe Combo?

For most kids, taking antibiotics for a mild illness (like an ear infection) shouldn't keep them from getting their vaccines on schedule. Antibiotics do not affect the ingredients in vaccines or cause a bad reaction in a child who has just been vaccinated.

Kids taking antibiotics for a moderate or severe illness should not get vaccinated until they recover from the illness — but this is true for all children who are sick, not just those on antibiotics. That's because it can be hard to know if symptoms after a vaccination, like a fever, are a side effect of the vaccine or due to the illness itself. As soon as they feel better, even if they're on antibiotics, kids can and should get the vaccine.

If you're concerned about your child's health and the safety of getting vaccinated, talk to your doctor or the person giving the vaccine.