Vaccinations: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services immediately for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, collapse, a seizure, severe confusion, or rapidly developing hives with breathing or circulation symptoms.

   These may indicate a severe reaction requiring emergency care.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent medical advice if you develop a high or persistent fever, repeated vomiting, unusual weakness, or a widespread rash, especially after a live vaccine.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Contact your healthcare team for routine advice if side effects are not improving as expected, are getting worse, or interfere significantly with eating, drinking, sleeping, or normal activity.

   Also call if redness or swelling keeps spreading, or if you are concerned about a reaction not covered in your aftercare information.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Vaccinations. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.