Best Practice for Prevention of Vaccination Common Problems With Antipyretic/Analgesic Medications

Nurse practitioners are on the front lines providing parental education regarding vaccines. Some reasons for vaccine hesitancy include the potential common mild problems of vaccine administration, such as pain and/or elevated temperature. 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. This review of the literature resulted in recommendations that nurse practitioners should 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 then reduce vaccine hesitancy among parents.