According to research, prophylactic administration of an antipyretic/analgesic medication (such as acetaminophen) reduces common mild problems related to vaccines when administered before or at the time of vaccination. Additionally, the evidence that prophylactic administration of antipyretic/analgesic medication decreases antibody response to vaccinations is insufficient at this time. However, this research has led to some confusion on best practice guidelines. In light of this, researchers conducted a literature review, resulting in the recommendation that nurse practitioners reassure parents that an antipyretic/analgesic medication will not reduce the immune response and can be administered to prevent or reduce common mild problems of vaccinations, which may, in turn, help reduce vaccine hesitancy among parents.
Source: The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, July-August 2017.
