It’s important to get information on the vaccination schedule and the type of vaccines your child will receive.
Since I had my son in 2012, this schedule has changed with the BCG going out and the Rotavirus and Meningococcal B coming in.
As well as knowing when your child will need each vaccine, it’s also important to know if you need to prepare anything beforehand.
For your child’s first two vaccination sessions they will need to take a small dosage of liquid infant paracetamol beforehand. This is because when babies are given MenB vaccine with the other childhood vaccines they are more at risk of developing a fever.
It is also useful to know if there is a cut-off point for any vaccination. The Rotavirus vaccine cannot be given to babies over 8 months and 0 days of age as the risk of a blocked gut is greater in older children. The Rotavirus is administered orally rather than by injection.
Your child will attend five visits from the age of two to thirteen months at your local doctor’s office. All children should be up to date on their vaccinations as they will need to attend all their appointments for the vaccines to work.
When your child is being vaccinated you will be asked to remove their bottoms for the injection to be given in their legs. You will need to hold their arms out of the way and try to keep their leg as straight as possible while the jab is being administered. They will generally receive an injection in both legs.
A tip I picked up from my public health nurse to stop your baby being upset to have their trousers or leggings nearby. After the vaccine, put them back on the baby as quickly as possible. This signals to your little one that it’s all over and the gesture will help calm them down.
If you have any queries about your child and vaccinations contact your GP or public health nurse for more information.
