How to get ready for her jabs, the common side effects afterwards, how to care for her, and the signs that need a doctor.
In short
- Follow the vaccination schedule where you live.
- Crying, soreness and a high temperature are common.
- Most side effects pass in 1 or 2 days.
Her schedule
Vaccines protect her from serious illnesses. The first ones usually come in her first months, with more around her first birthday. Each country has its own schedule. Your doctor or health visitor will tell you when each one is due. It is best to have them on time. If she misses one, ask your doctor about catching up.
If she has a high temperature on the day, she may need to wait until she is better. If she is a little unwell with no high temperature, ask the nurse if she can still have them.
On the day
- Take her red book or health record.
- Dress her in clothes that come off easily. Babies under 1 have their injections in the thigh.
- Hold her on your knee during the injection.
- Try to stay calm. Your worry can make her more unsettled.
- Ask the nurse anything you want to know.
Some vaccines are drops in her mouth, not injections.
After the jabs
She may cry for a little while. A cuddle usually helps. Common side effects are:
- a sore, red or swollen leg where the needle went in, for 2 to 3 days
- a high temperature
- being tired or irritable
- feeding less than usual
- being sick or having diarrhoea
Most side effects pass in 1 or 2 days. A high temperature after jabs is common. If she is under 3 months, 38C or more still needs an emergency call. If she has a high temperature, do not overdress her and give her plenty of feeds. Your nurse may suggest a medicine to prevent a fever after some jabs. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before giving any medicine.
After the rotavirus drops, her poo can carry the weakened virus for a few weeks. Wash your hands well after nappy changes.
Serious allergic reactions are very rare. They usually happen within minutes. The nurse is trained to deal with them straight away.
