Paracetamol reduces the effectiveness of childhood vaccinations

Appointing paracetamol children after preventive vaccinations can reduce the effectiveness of immunization, say British experts.

The study involving 450 infants showed that taking paracetamol in the next 24 hours after vaccination reduces the effectiveness of immunization. British scientists believe that the use of paracetamol after vaccination should be only when there are serious reasons. The study was published in the journal Lancet.

Half of the children in the study after vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae received three doses of acetaminophen, every six - eight hours for 24 hours after vaccination. Other children were not given paracetamol. The result was that antibody levels in children who were given paracetamol, was lower than in those who did not take the drug and thus immune to diseases that were vaccinated was lower in infants who had taken paracetamol.

This drug is often prescribed to children after vaccination, because the kids can raise the temperature in the first days after vaccination, doctors explained. However, it should properly weigh the risks and apply the product only if without it really impossible to do, the researchers stressed.