Afternoon vaccinations may work better - 19 Action News|Cleveland, OH|News, Weather, Sports

Afternoon vaccinations may work better

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CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) -

A new study finds babies vaccinated after 1:30PM. slept more and had an increased body temperature, which help facilitate a healthy immune response and increased antibody production.

"They found these babies were more likely to sleep a longer period of time if they were given their vaccine in the afternoon as oppose to the in the morning," said Dr. Kim Giuliano of the Cleveland Clinic.

Sleep, doctors say, is critical after immunization in facilitating a healthy immune response and increasing antibody production.

Most infants vaccinated in the morning or afternoon had the expected rise in body temperature. A fever reducer is usually used to help the babies sleep, but this study suggests to doctors including, Cleveland Clinic Pediatrician Dr. Kim Giuliano, that the best course of action is an afternoon immunization and holding off on the Acetaminophen.

"It's certainly worth considering, if your schedule allows, to potentially try to schedule your baby's vaccines in the afternoon as opposed to the morning. It would be a good idea though based off this study and some others to consider holding off on the Acetaminophen, in terms of preventing fevers and let the child amount their own response," Dr. Giuliano said.

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