Immunisations - what to expect
Immunisation time – Gulp! Your baby’s first injections can be an upsetting time for parents, and baby. If you are anxious, your baby may pick up on your feelings so try to stay calm. Read our helpful guide on what to expect.
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Once your baby is registered at your local doctors, you should receive reminders for baby’s immunisations.
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You child will be given vaccinations against the most common infectious diseases such as: Diphtheria, flu, haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis b, measles, meningitis B, meningitis C, mumps, pneumococcus, polio, rotavirus, rubella, tetanus, whoo
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For each appointment you will need to take your red book or Immunisation passport for Ireland so the nurse can record details of which vaccination your baby has had.
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Dress your baby in loose fitting clothes that are quick and easy to remove and put back on again.
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If your baby is under 12 months the injection is usually administered in the thigh, so loose fitting trousers or a dress is ideal.
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Make sure you tell the nurse if your baby has been unwell with fever, vomiting or diarrhoea as the immunisation may be delayed for a few days.
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In the appointment the nurse will take you through the immunisation programme and answer any questions you may have. So write a list of questions to take with you.
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You will be asked to sit with your baby held close on your lap, keeping the legs as still as possible.
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The injection is given with a small needle - your baby will probably cry straight away so a breastfeed or a bottle can provide comfort, or distract with a small toy.
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Immunisations are delivered by either injection, nasal spray or oral drops depending on the type of vaccine.
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All medicines including vaccines can occasionally cause side effects - these are likely to be mild and can include a slight fever and some swelling and redness around the site of the injection. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about any symptoms.
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Your baby may have more than one injection at each appointment depending on the immunisation schedule.
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The doctor or nurses generally work well together to ensure the injections are given as quickly and painlessly as possible.
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You will probably be asked to stay at the clinic for about 10 minutes after the immunisations just to make sure baby is fine and hasn’t had any major side effects.
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If your baby develops a fever, treat it straight away with plenty of fluids, keeping them cool and bring the temperature down with infant paracetamol. The nurse will give you guidance on this.
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The men b vaccination is given at eight weeks, 16 weeks and one year. Your baby is more likely to get a fever from this vaccination so the NHS or HSE for Ireland recommend giving your baby infant paracetamol after this injection.
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