Thanks to vaccination and immunization, most children in the US lead much healthier lives, and parents lead anxiety and worry-free life.
Vaccines protect your child from various illnesses and infections by helping the immune system learn how to fight germs. Before a vaccine is given to children, its safety and efficacy are confirmed through an extensive lab test.
Nonetheless, like medications, vaccines can also have some (mild) side effects. This is why your child needs extra love and care after getting immunized.
It is pertinent to mention that the amount or type of care your child needs after immunization depends on their age.
Let’s talk about some tips from a pediatrician on how to care for your child post-immunization according to their age and where you can go for comprehensive pediatric care in Spring and The Woodlands, TX.
Care for Infants After Immunization
For your newborn, immunization can start before you even bring them home from the hospital. Common side effects of vaccines your infant may experienceafter immunization include swelling or bruising at the injection site, fussiness, fever, and changes to their normal sleeping and feeding pattern.
First 24-48 hours after the immunization, some children want to be fed more often for comfort, while others refuse their feed. So, understand these signs and act accordingly.
Furthermore, put them in a swing or simply hold them more oftento soothe your fussy child. Keeping the child moving also helps ease their discomfort.
If your infant over 2 months has fever and soreness, give them acetaminophen based on weight. You can also use a cool, damp cloth to reduce soreness, redness, and/or swelling at the site where they had the needle. Giving sweet beverages to babies older than 6 months can also comfort them.
Care for Toddler After Immunization
The side effects of immunization in a toddler may look different, but mild swelling and bruising around the injection site and fever still exist. There may be a change in their normal appetite and sleeping schedule.
It’s common for toddlers to experience a lack of energy, resulting in them lying around when they would normally be running and playing around.
You can comfort your toddler by offering them extra cuddle time, their favorite stuffed animals, or their favorite snack or drink. It’s best to put a cool, wet cloth over the area where your toddler had the needle to reduce soreness and swelling.
Also, offer them more fluids and encourage them to move their arm or leg where they had the needle. If needed, give them acetaminophen (Tylenol) to ease soreness and reduce fever.
Post-immunization Care for Younger Children
After toddler vaccination, your child mostly needs vaccination when they are 4 to 5 years old. These vaccinations are given during well-child visits.
Swelling, soreness, or bruising are common side effects of vaccines in preschool or school-aged children. Fever and changes in eating, sleeping, or behavioral habits are less common at this age but may still happen.
To your child, provide whatever comfort they seek. Be it giving them a little extra time on TV, offering them their favorite snack, or taking them to their favorite place.
If needed, administer oral non-aspirin pain relievers.
Post Immunization Care for Older Children and Adolescents
Older children and adolescents may also experience vaccination side effects, so never scold a child for not “being brave”. Instead, ask them to take deep breaths to blow out pain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, syncope (fainting) can be common among adolescents immediately after shots. Therefore, let them stay seated for 15 minutes after the shots.
For pain and swelling, ask them to apply ice on the needle site and, if needed, give them a non-aspirin pain reliever.
Child Vaccination in Spring and The Woodlands, TX
Take your child immediately to the ER if they have a fever of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or above and the fever is not coming down.
At Northwoods Pediatric Center, our highly trained and skilled pediatricians provide immunization and vaccination that babies, toddlers, children, and teens need to protect themselves against dangerous diseases.
If you would like to know about the immunization schedule for your child or make an appointment with us, call us today at (281) 296-7770 or fill outour convenient online appointment request form.
