(VIS) ‘Immunisation tips’
Nurse Deidre Brogan: Today, let’s go through what you can expect for your child’s routine vaccinations.
(VIS) ‘Before your child’s immunisation appointment’
Nurse Brogan: For the appointment, take your child’s health record book with you. Your health professional can make notes about your child’s vaccinations in this booklet. You can also bring along toys or books to distract your child. For babies under 12 months, vaccine injection sites are in the legs, and for children over 12 months, injection sites are in the arms. You can prepare for this by dressing your child in loose-fitted clothing and layers in the cooler months.
(VIS) ‘During your child’s immunisation appointment’
Nurse Brogan: The health professional will be as gentle as they can when giving the vaccination, but most babies and children cry a little afterwards. Hugging your child chest-to-chest before, during, and after the vaccination will release hormones that act as a pain-reliever for your child. You can also ask your health professional to give your baby the rotavirus vaccine drops before they receive their injections. The drops contain sugar which is an effective pain-reliever for babies. For older children, distractions like a toy or other device can help reduce pain.
(VIS) ‘After your child’s immunisation appointment’
Nurse Brogan: After the appointment, the health professional will ask you wait for 15 minutes. This is so that they can make sure everything is OK before you and your child leave. Your child may experience some mild side effects following the vaccination that last no more than a couple days. Pain relief may be recommended as required for fever or pain after vaccination.
(VIS) ‘Always talk to your health professional if you have any questions about childhood vaccinations. For more information, visit Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation at skai.org.au/childhood’
Vaccines under the National Immunisation Program are a safe, free and effective way to protect your child from serious disease.