CHILDREN’S VACCINES

There are different types of vaccines. They include:

• Attenuated (weakened) live viruses which are used in some vaccines such as in measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
• Killed (inactivated) viruses or bacteria that are used in some vaccines, such as in IPV.
• Toxoid vaccines such as diphtheria and tetanus vaccines contain inactivated toxins that are produced by bacteria
• Conjugate vaccines such as Hib contain parts of bacteria combined with proteins

Recommended vaccinations:

• Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine (DTaP)
• Hepatitis A vaccine (HepA)
• Hepatitis B vaccine (HepB)
• Hib vaccine
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
• Influenza vaccine
• Meningococcal vaccines
• Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV)
• Polio vaccine (IPV)
• Rotavirus vaccine

Vaccines don’t cause any diseases; instead they can help your child fight against diseases that could attack them. Vaccines are telling your child’s body to make blood proteins called antibodies to fight off those diseases.

Some mild reactions will appear after a vaccine. It is a sign that the vaccine is working. These reactions will disappear on its own within a week.

The most common effects you might see include:

• Low-grade fever
• Tenderness or redness at the shot site
• Slight swelling at the shot site
• Fussiness
• Trouble sleeping

Sometimes the DTaP and pneumococcal vaccines can cause other reactions, like:

• Vomiting
• Swelling of one whole leg or arm
• Drowsiness
• Loss of appetite

Side effects will disappear without treatment.

DIAGNOSIS

If your child is allergic to some vaccinations, some reactions will happen immediately after they get vaccinated. Examples are weakness, high fever, and a change of mood or behavior. Seek doctor’s help for these condtions.

Some specific signs to look for include:

• Breathing problems like wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Hives
• Pale color
• Weakness
• Fast heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Swelling in the face or throat
• Fever
• Seizures

When the child is extremely crying for about 3 hours, it indicates a real problem.

In some rare cases, vaccinations can also lead to coma, long-term seizures, or permanent brain damage.

TREATMENT

Getting regular shots can benefit both the mother and child.

Try the method called the “5 S’s” immediately after your child is vaccinated to avoid so much crying. These are:

1. Swaddling immediately after the shot. You also can swaddle (wrapping a baby tightly in a blanket like a “burrito”) before the shot, but leave your baby’s legs exposed for the vaccination.
2. Placing him or her on the side or stomach
3. Making shushing sounds in his or herear
4. Swinging him or her in your arms or doing an infant swing
5. Giving her the opportunity to suck (whether through breastfeeding, a bottle, or a pacifier)

5S’s are proven to reduce crying after a shot. Breastfeeding can also help distracting your baby and in calming her down.

Before the shot, gently massage the injection site to help lessen the pain. For toodlers, distracting them with toys, books or songs can be a great help. Seek advice from your child doctor if fever develops after the shot. Try positive reinforcement after getting the shot, to make it easier for your child next time.