Immunizations, alternately referred to as vaccinations, protect infants and children against illness and disease. Your child will likely receive his or her first immunization before even leaving the hospital after birth. Subsequent immunizations will be administered at your child's well-baby and well-child appointments with his or her pediatrician. Your child may experience some mild side effects after each round of vaccinations.
Common side effects include:
-Soreness in the area of injection, usually the thigh.
-Redness or swelling at the sight of injection.
-Fever.
Ways to help with these side effects:
-Give your baby a warm bath. This will relax his or her muscles and aide circulation.
-Apply a warm compress, such as a warm washcloth, to the sight of the injection to aide circulation.
-Help your baby move his or her legs, also to help blood flow to the affected spot. With your baby lying on their back, gently hold their legs by the ankle and alternate pushing one knee toward the tummy, straightening that leg and repeating with the other leg. This will almost look like your baby is riding an imaginary bicycle.
-If your child is comfortable with it, you can gently massage his or her legs. See THIS link on massages for the legs and feet.
-For fever you can administer the dose of acetaminophen recommended by your child's pediatrician. This dose is dependent on your child's age and weight, so be sure to ask your child's doctor before giving any medications.
For more information on IMMUNIZATIONS, visit www.kidshealth.org or click on the link below.
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