Should I give my baby Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra) or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) before she receives her immunization shots?

This is not necessary. Though common practice in many clinics, pre-medicating with acetaminophen is unlikely to reduce the pain from vaccine administration.  In fact, a recent study demonstrated that premedicating with acetaminophen may lessen the effectiveness of the body’s immune response to vaccines. Other techniques such as breastfeeding, feeding sucrose water, distraction techniques, simultaneous injections of mutiple vaccines may reduce the negative experience of immunization administration.

On the other hand, if hours later, there is irritability from pain or fever, then it is appropriate to give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for relief.