Baby Shots

Baby shots are vaccinations, or immunizations against serious diseases, which, by administering minute doses of the bacteria or virus, the immune system is triggered into developing antibodies that prevent them from getting the disease they were vaccinated for.

Vaccines cannot protect children from all illnesses, but they can protect them from serious diseases like diphtheria, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, influenza, polio, tetanus, hepatitis A and B, chickenpox, rotavirus, and pneumococcal disease.

Immunizations are required by law, for children to go to public schools. Exceptions are only made when children have had severe reactions to immunizations, or when it is in direct conflict to a known religious affiliation’s beliefs.

Parents often ask themselves if immunizations for infants are necessary. Breast feeding provides temporary immunity against common infections, but not against specific diseases preventable by vaccines. The only way to protect children from these diseases is by immunization shots.

Be aware of the possible side effects. Vaccines are safe, and researchers work continuously to insure, and increase, their safety. Every vaccine is tested rigorously, and continually monitored for safety as long as the vaccine is in use.

Most side effects are minor, such as low-grade fever and soreness at the site of the injection. Serious reactions are so rare that it is considered much less a risk than the potential of contracting the illnesses for which they are vaccinated.

Home Remedies for Baby Shots:

Comfort, Reduce Pain, and Reassure Babies:

Every new mother cringes when they see a needle coming toward their baby, and fears their child will have a reaction to the shots. Reactions to immunization shots are normally mild, and severe adverse reactions are; typically, extremely rare.

Your aim should be to make getting vaccines as easy as possible for your child. It is important for mothers not to show fear, be tense, and to be calm and loving, to reassure the baby while the shots are being administered.

Often shots can be given in single combinations, to avoid having more needle sticks. It has been proven that babies getting shots seem to react less traumatically, and cry much less, when they are given sugar water to drink, and cradled against the mother as the shots are given.

Home Drugs:

Mild reactions to shots include crankiness, low-grade temperatures, injection site redness, tenderness, and mild swelling.

Some pediatricians recommend giving babies a dose of Tylenol or ibuprofen about half an hour before the immunization, and every four to six hours for twenty-four hours after the injections to minimize these reactions.

Giving the baby a soothing tepid bath will not only soothe the injection site tenderness, it will help lower any low-grade temperature the baby might develop.

Severe Reactions:

Though rare, severe reactions do occur. In the event your child develops a temperature above 105, becomes lethargic, unresponsive, or has seizures or convulsions, seek medical attention immediately.