Is there a recommended period of time a person should wait in the clinic or pharmacy following an immunization?
The rationale for a “waiting period” after vaccination is, presumably, that if an allergic reaction to the vaccine were to occur, the person would still be in the facility. With appropriate screening, the likelihood of a serious allergic reaction is extremely low. Accordingly, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has never recommended a specific waiting period after vaccination. Potentially life-threatening allergic reactions occur in a matter of minutes. Even without a waiting period, it is likely that the person would still be in the facility should a life-threatening reaction occur.
