- Prescribing Advice for GPs - https://www.prescriber.org.uk -

Green Book advises against routine fever prevention

The Green Book has been updated (PDF) and now advises that routine prevention of fever following vaccination is not recommended as it may result in lower antibody responses to some vaccines.

This advice is based upon a previously reported study that found successive doses of paracetamol appeared to reduce the level of antibody production. This new advice recommends that ibuprofen is also avoided.

Action: Clinicians should be aware of these new recommendations. Parents should be advised on the use and appropriate dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen liquid to treat a fever but should be cautioned against using these drugs to prevent a fever.