Table of Contents
- Highlights
- Introduction
- Symptoms of Severe Reactions to Vaccinations
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
- Varicella-Zoster Virus (Chickenpox)
- Varicella-Zoster Virus (Shingles)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Pneumococcal Pneumonia
- Poliomyelitis
- Viral Influenza
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type B
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Rotavirus
- Smallpox
- Other Vaccinations
- Vaccinations for Travelers to Developing Countries
- Resources
- References
However, deciding not to immunize a child also involves risk. The potential benefits from receiving vaccines far outweigh the potential risks.
- After immunizations were introduced on a wide scale, infections such as tetanus, diphtheria, mumps, measles, pertussis (whooping cough), and polio became rare. All of these illnesses used to lead to lifetime disabilities or even death
- Newer immunization have also decreased certain types of meningitis, pneumonia, and ear infections in children.
- Pregnant women may contract infections that can be very dangerous to their fetus. Vaccines reduce this risk.
Tips for Helping Small Children Before, During, and After Vaccinations
Infants often accept the first injection easily, since they are not expecting it. It gets more difficult, however, with each additional injection. Simply providing love and warmth can help children of all ages tolerate immunizations.
Additional tips:
- Do not lie and tell an older child that an injection will be painless. Some health care providers suggest telling your child that it stings a little, and to count to 5 while the vaccine is being administered.
- Ask the doctor if it is OK to give the child a dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) after a vaccination if pain or fever causes distress. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or other non-aspirin pain relievers may be acceptable alternatives. (Children should NEVER take aspirin.)
- A cooling spray may work by numbing the skin a little.
- Longer needles, rather than shorter ones, may help reduce pain.
- Have your child take a deep breath right before the injection and blow out very hard while it is being given.
- Give a sweet fluid before the shot and a little reward, such as a lollipop, immediately after the shot. Sugar actually has mild pain relieving properties for infants.
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Review Date: 10/12/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine,
Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.
Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M.,
Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
