Prophylactic use of antipyretic agents with childhood immunizations and antibody response: reason for concern?

Introduction: In the pediatric primary care setting, well-child visits constitute over 50% of all encounters, treating over 24 million children annually. Anticipatory guidance topics vary based on different ages, but immunizations are a focal point of all well-child visits. This article addresses the prophylactic use of antipyretic agents with the administration of immunizations as a potential reason of concern.

Methods: A literature review of the use of antipyretic agents in conjunction with immunizations and the effectiveness of treatment was performed.

Results: Based on several studies, the standard recommendation of administering antipyretic agents with immunization administration was a routine. Twenty years later, the scientific evidence was questioned. A pivotal study questioned these standards, noting no benefit and potential decreased immune response.

Discussion: Although the prophylactic use of antipyretics has been a standard in pediatrics, the lack of scientific support in the reduction of adverse effects of the vaccinations and the possibility of decreased immune response warrants further research.