Don't give children pain relievers before their COVID-19 vaccine

Because there is not enough research to determine how over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, pain relievers and antihistamines may affect antibody responses to the COVID-19 vaccine, health care professionals are advising parents not to give their children any of these medications before receiving their vaccination. “Though we have not studied the effects of over-the-counter medications given prior to the COVID-19 vaccine, we do have as a resource a couple smaller studies done with other vaccines,” said Kristina Deeter, M.D., pediatric intensivist at Renown Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care and Hospitalist Medicine and specialty medical officer for pediatric critical care medicine at Pediatrix® Medical Group. “… currently, most pediatricians will advise to take Tylenol and/or Motrin after any vaccine as a response to side effects, like a sore arm, but to not pre-treat your child with Tylenol.” 

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