How can vaccination become less stressful for parents and children?

Tips on immunisation and handling its after-effects

Immunization or vaccination is an integral part of a child’s healthcare in the early years. Following a schedule for appropriate shots is also mandatory. It ensures that polio, tetanus, whooping cough and other diseases do not attack or impair the development. It can be stressful for parents and painful for the little ones. Vaccination tips for parents keep them well informed to handle medical issues.

If you are searching for the best hospital for child immunisation, we offer the best solutions. Lotus Hospitals has a well-equipped paediatric unit where our doctors can be consulted for all conversations related to care for children after vaccinations.

Vaccinations before the age of 16 years in India

1. BCG before the baby turns one year. It prevents childhood TB. About 0.05 ml is given at birth, and after a month,1 ml is administered.
2. Hepatitis B is given at birth, which affects the liver. 0.05 ml is given after birth.
3. Oral polio vaccine is given at birth, 6, 10 and 14 weeks. A booster dose is given between 16-14 months. Two drops ensure that poliomyelitis does not affect the baby.
4. The Pentavalent vaccine is given at 6, 10 and 14 weeks. Your baby will not get diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, HIB infection for pneumonia, meningitis and Hepatitis B. The dose is 0.5 ml.
5. Rotavirus (5 drops) is given for diarrhoea prevention. Measles-Rubella is given to prevent measles. The first dose is given between 9-12 months. The second dose is given between 16-14 months.

 You can always check the other vaccines that are available for the prevention of diseases for your child. Immunisation is important for children, and the schedules should not be missed. 

Cannot avoid the needle prick

 No matter how much you hate it, there is no escape. Babies and toddlers can become difficult to handle, and this stresses the parents. If you prepare well, the agony is minimised.

1. Babies take after their mother’s experience! It will have the same attitude. Hence, a mother should find a comfort level to soothe the baby. A comfortable position, distraction and relaxation are useful before the dreaded shots.
2. Appointments should be taken when the baby is happiest or relaxed. It could be morning or evening, after which it can relax.
3. Toddlers who need the vaccination have to be prepared in advance,e. at least two days before. Let them know it is safe and will make them healthy. Hug them and make them feel comfortable. A baby could be cradled in the arms. It makes it feel relaxed.
4. Distraction techniques are good for toddlers who may cry easily. Let the child hold a stuffed animal or favourite toy.

Immunisation is important for children and should be followed as per the calendar provided by your doctor. All vaccinations should be complete by the age of two so that nothing affects their development.

Pain management after vaccination

 After getting the shots, the area is quite painful, and the skin becomes stiff. Crying is natural, and so is getting a fever. Mothers should do the following:

1. Continue to breastfeed the baby in a super comfortable position. Keep hugging the baby until the pain subsides. Soothing is essential for the baby’s mind.
2. If fever sets in, use cool (not cold) wipes to soothe the area. Swelling and redness are also common. The cool cloth should be used for compression for 5 to 10 minutes. If the fever lasts for more than 72 hours, visit the paediatrician.
3. Speak to the paediatrician and get an anti-inflammatory ointment to reduce swelling.
4. It is normal for the baby to become cranky and irritable.
5. Loss of appetite is also seen in some babies. As the pain diminishes, the baby will be normal.

There is no reason to fear if you care for a child after vaccinations. Each vaccine protects the child from one deadly disease or the other. Unfortunately, there is no single shot that will lessen the pain. All immunisation also protects the infection from spreading to other kids in the household. All side effects resolve on their own.

Lotus Hospital has a proper schedule that is given to the parents for all vaccinations. It is also your responsibility to seek appointments for the shots. Each vaccine is a life-saver and should not be skipped. Talk to your paediatrician if you have any other doubts regarding this topic.