If a child is sick, you should not get them vaccinated; first let them recover.

VerdictDepends

Can be harmful

Checked against CDC

A child with a mild illness, like a light cold or mild fever, can and should be vaccinated on time. Only if the child is very sick with a moderate or severe illness is the vaccine usually put off until the child gets better.

What experts say

A mild illness, such as a light cold, mild fever, ear infection or loose motions, is not a reason to skip or delay a vaccine. The child should be vaccinated on time.1 2
A child with a mild fever can still be vaccinated. If the child does not look sick, the temperature does not need to be measured before a vaccine.2
When a child is very sick with a moderate or severe illness, the vaccine is usually put off for a while.1 2
After a child with a serious illness gets better, the missed vaccine should be given as soon as possible.1
Putting off vaccines because of small illnesses means many children miss their vaccines and stay unprotected.1

What to do

If your child has a light cold, mild fever or loose motions, take them for the vaccine as planned.1 2
Before the vaccine, tell the doctor or health worker how the child is and how long they have been unwell, so they can decide.1 2
If the child is very sick, ask when to come back, and get the vaccine as soon as the child is better.1
Keep the vaccine card safe and check with the health worker that no dose has been left out.1