Tips before vaccinating your child

Taking your child to have their vaccinations is probably a more stressful time for you as a parent than it is for your little one. No one likes to see their child upset, scared or in pain. That’s why we’ve put together a few tips to make sure the vaccination process goes as smoothly, and painlessly, as possible…

Dealing with fear

When you take your child for their first vaccinations, it’s likely they’ll be too young to have any understanding of what is going on. But, as they get older and return for their booster shots, it’s natural they may be anxious.

But, if you stay calm yourself,your child will take their cue from your attitude. Be honest about where you are going and why. Tell them you’re going to the doctor for a vaccination to help stop them from getting poorly. Don’t lie and say it won’t hurt at all because even tiny children know a fib when they hear one.

Timing is key

If you can, try to get an appointment early in the day so your child doesn’t have long to worry about what is about to happen. But, do leave yourself plenty of time to get there. If you’re stressed about making it to your appointment, then your little one will pick up on it. Instead, arrive a few minutes early. That way, you can play with the toys at the surgery, if there are some provided. Or you can take a book with you to read together while you wait for your name to be called.

Choose the right clothing

You want to make having their jabs as quick and painless as possible for your child and what they wear can make a difference. Depending on where they are having their vaccination, usually in their thigh, you’ll want to make it as easy as possible for the doctor or nurse to do their job. So, if it’s summer, you could put your little one in shorts or a skirt, while if the weather is cooler, then a pair of jogging bottoms would be a good option. You don’t want to create any extra fuss by having to take off tights or unfasten zips and buttons.

After the appointment

Give your child a nice cuddle after the shot, praise them for being brave and reassure them you’re there to look after them if they’re a little sore. Don’t dwell on it though. Move onto another activity, like a nice movie and some popcorn at home.

Do be aware though that vaccines, like all medicines, can have side effects. Most, such as redness around the vaccine area or a mild fever, aren’t serious and should disappear after a day or two. The 5-in-1 vaccine is the first in a series of jabs children will be offered. It is very safe but complications can happen so it’s important to keep a close eye on your little one in the days after the vaccination. Rare complications can include a severe allergic reaction or a seizure.

A survey carried out by the Medical Defence Unit (MDU) found that family doctors had been involved in vaccination mistakes affecting 98 children over five years, including patients being given the wrong vaccine or dose, or being vaccinated without consent. In one instance, for example, the family of a newborn baby launched a medical negligence claim after he was given an overdose of the tuberculosis vaccine.

When your child shouldn’t have vaccinations

Every parent wants to do all they can to try to ensure their child is as healthy as possible and that will usually mean taking them along for routine childhood vaccinations. But, there are reasons why some children shouldn’t be vaccinated. A child who is ill on the day he or she is due to attend their appointment will probably be asked to come back another day.

Also, if your little one has had a serious allergic reaction after getting a vaccine or to a substance in a vaccine, they shouldn’t have that vaccine again. A child shouldn’t have the 5-in-1 vaccine if they have had a brain or nervous system disease within the last week, have cried non-stop for more than three hours, have ever collapsed or had a seizure or have had a very high fever. Your little one shouldn’t have a polio vaccine if they are severely allergic to certain antibiotics and the Hepatitis B vaccine shouldn’t be offered if they are allergic to yeast.

Put it all into perspective

Just remember though, the vast majority of children sail through their vaccinations completely unscathed, with perhaps just a little soreness. All they need to come through their experience is a little cuddle from mom or dad and, maybe, a lollipop or a sticker for being brave.