Dealing with Vaccination

Before Getting Shots
Come prepared to help make the visit less stressful on you and your baby.
  • Find your child’s health record and bring it to your appointment. An up-to-date record tells your doctor/nurse exactly what shots your child has already received.
  • Pack a favorite toy / book, or a blanket that your child uses regularly for comfort.
  • Never threaten your child with shots, by saying “If you misbehave I will have the nurse give you a shot.” You can soothe your baby by skin-to-skin contact.
At the Clinic or Doctor’s office
Try these ideas for making the shots easier on your child:
  • Distract and comfort your child by cuddling, singing, or talking softly.
  • Hold your child firmly on your lap, whenever possible.
  • Support your child if he or she cries. Never scold a child for not “being brave.”
Before you leave the appointment, ask your child’s nurse or doctor for advice on using non-aspirin pain reliever and other steps you can take at home to comfort your child.
REMEMBER TO SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT VISIT!
Like any medication, vaccines can cause side effects. The most common side effects are mild and go away within a few days. You only need to treat if symptoms occur.
Reaction
What You Can Do
Pain & redness at the vaccination site
Use a cool, wet cloth to reduce redness, soreness, and swelling.
Fever
  • Child feels warm/hot to touch
  • Axilla/armpit temperature >99°F or 37.2°C
  • Rectal temperature >100°F or 37.8°F
  • Oral temperature 99.5°F or 37.5°C
Give plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Dress in cool clothing and keep child in a cool room.

Tepid sponging using a washcloth to spread slightly warm water over the trunk, legs and arms. Do not use cold water.

Dosages of medications to reduce fever are based on the child’s weight. Contact your health care provider if in doubt.

Aspirin/aspirin-containing medications should not be used in children.
Irritability and poor appetite
It is normal for some children to eat less during the 24 hours after getting vaccines.

Pay extra attention to your child for a few days.

If you see something that concerns you, call your doctor
Adapted from: CDC and AAP