If you are a little confused when it comes to the right time to get your little one vaccinated, then don’t worry. The time you and your baby leave the hospital, your nurse/doctor will definitely hand you a card that would have the whole vaccination schedule on it. The main vaccines that the schedule talks about are the ones that have been recommended by the government. However you also have the option of including other vaccines after talking to your pediatrician. The first time you visit your pediatrician after your baby is born might end up making you anxious. Your doctor, however will begin merely with a basic check-up to make sure that your little one is in the peak of his/her health. You do have to keep in mind that your little one might not be vaccinated in some cases. These cases include but are not restricted to
- Fever or Cold
- Diarrhoea
- Allergies
- If your baby has been subjected to high-dose steroids or drugs that might have an adverse effect on the immune system
- If your baby had any issues with any previous immunizations
- If you little one suffers from convulsions or fits
Remember to tell your doctor if your child is suffering from any of these issues. Your pediatrician is well experienced and will know almost exactly how you must be feeling when he gets ready to administer vaccines to your little one. The vaccination process usually doesn’t take more than a minute and it will be over before you even know it. Your baby however might just cry a little because of the tiny prick that he/she feels when the vaccines are being administered. This is also perfectly normal. Polio drops however is one vaccine that will be administered orally and you won’t have to feel concerned about your little one feeling the pin prick that you now obviously associate with the rest of the vaccines. Post your little one’s immunization, you might be asked to stay over at the clinic for a little while. This is for a good reason. Sometimes babies might have certain reactions to the vaccinations that have been administered and to monitor these reactions is important. Some reactions or side-effects that might be caused by these vaccinations can include a mild fever, vomiting, swelling on the injection site or diarrhoea. In case of a mild fever, you can easily treat it the same way that you might use for fevers caused by other factors. But in case the fever seems high, do not hesitate to consult your pediatrician with any concerns that you might have. Vaccinations are part and parcel of a healthy growing baby, so try not to be too nervous about the whole process and just relax and know that at the end of the day, it is all for the good of your little one!
