Quick answer · Illness & symptoms, School & sports
Can my child go to school after vomiting once?
Not the same day. The American Academy of Pediatrics says to keep a child home if they have vomited in the past 24 hours. After a full day with no vomiting, most children can go back.
The longer answer
The 24 hours count from the last time your child vomited, even if it happened only once. Before going back, your child should also be fever-free for 24 hours without fever medicine, and well enough to take part in class. This is the same rule as in our answer on returning to school after being sick.
Schools and daycares set their own attendance rules, and some ask for longer. The AAP says to follow your school’s guidance where it differs, so check with the school nurse if you are unsure.
Call 911 or go to the ER for a child who is very hard to wake, or for vomiting after a head injury. For vomiting or diarrhea on a weekday, call or text us and your child is seen the same day. Is your child sick?