What To Expect During Vaccination?

Vaccination is a topic that had been embroiled in debate as to whether it is good for your baby or not. Here are some facts.

By Subodini Menon

Thursday, July 13, 2017, 13:07 [IST]

Vaccination is a topic that had been embroiled in debate as to whether it is good for your baby or not. The experts of the medical field opine that every child should be vaccinated and immunized against known dangerous diseases. Many parents ignore this advice and do not vaccinate or immunize their children.

Vaccines are the reasons that the diseases like small pox have been eradicated from the world. It is the reason behind the drastic decrease and an almost-eradication of Polio in our country.

Therefore, it is very important that you make sure your child receives vaccines and immunization at the right time of his/her life. Doing so will give your child a better chance to live and thrive free of the fear of many deadly and debilitating diseases.

There are a few things that you must be aware of when you take your child to be vaccinated. Today, we shall discuss the things that need to be expected when immunizing your child. Read on to know more on this topic.

The Check-Up

When you take your child to be vaccinated, the doctor may perform a quick check-up to see if your child is fit enough to receive the vaccine. There are many reasons due to which your doctor may refuse to vaccinate your child and may ask you to come in again later.

A cold, fever, diarrhoea and other sicknesses may be a reason. If your baby has had adverse experience with an earlier vaccine, the doctor may not want to immunize your child. Allergies can also be a reason. Other reasons include an impaired immune system, convulsions or AIDS and HIV.

The Administration Of The Vaccine

It is usually the paediatrician who administers the vaccine. It is not uncommon that the child may get uncomfortable and cry during the process.

You may be asked to hold the child tightly. If you find the process to be harrowing, you may ask a staff member to hold the child while the vaccine is being administered.

The Method Of Vaccine Administration

There are many methods of administration of the vaccine. The vaccine for polio is given orally. Injectable polio vaccine is also available.

There are other vaccines that are to be given via injection. Some vaccines are combined and administered like the DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus). The sites of the injection also vary from vaccine to vaccine. Some are given in the arm and there are others that are administered on the thighs.

What To Expect After The Vaccination?

The doctor may ask you to stay back for 10 to 15 minutes to observe the child. This is to make sure that no allergies or side effects are seen. The child may be upset and may cry.

Expect your child to be a little off for the rest of the day. He/she may be moody and irritable. If he/she shows intense reactions to the vaccine after you leave the hospital, make sure that you take the child back to the doctor immediately.

Side Effects To Expect After The Vaccination

- Pain and/or swelling when the injection was given.
- Fever of mild temperature.
- Vomiting and nausea
- Loose motions and diarrhoea

Also Read: Difference Between Painless And Painful Vaccinations

What To Do If A Side Effect Is Noticed?

If your child just has a mild fever, you can deal with it as you normally do. High fever and convulsions are to be monitored and any problem must immediately be informed.