Childhood vaccines

childhood immunizations · baby shots · vaccination schedule · child vaccines

A vaccine is injected into the upper arm or thigh. It teaches your child's body to protect itself from a dangerous disease in advance.

Following the national vaccination schedule, from birth to school age, and to catch up on missed vaccines.

⏱ Duration: the shot takes a few seconds, the whole visit usually 30 to 60 minutes

Be sure to tell your doctor

If your child is ill now or has had a fever in the last few days
Allergies, especially strong reactions
How your child coped with past vaccines
If your child has immune system problems or takes steroids
If your child recently had a blood transfusion or immunoglobulin

How to prepare

Health. Vaccines are given to a healthy child. Before the shot, the doctor or nurse checks your child and takes their temperature.
Mood. Talk to your child calmly and honestly: it will be quick and hurt a little. Do not use the shot as a threat.
Food. No special limits. Feed your child as usual. You can breastfeed right after the shot.
Clothes. Dress your child in something comfortable so the arm or leg is easy to uncover.

What to bring

Your child's vaccination record
Your child's documents
A favorite toy
Water or a bottle

How it goes

The doctor checks your child and gives the go-ahead
You hold your child on your lap or stay close
The nurse wipes the skin and quickly gives the shot
The vaccine is written in the record
After the shot, you stay at the clinic for about 30 minutes

What you'll feel

A quick pain from the shot. Your child may cry
Redness and slight swelling where the shot was given
Sometimes in the first days: fever, fussiness, sleepiness

Afterwards

Stay near the room for 30 minutes, so the doctor can help if there is a reaction
Do not rub or warm the injection spot
Bathing is usually fine
If your child gets a fever, the doctor will tell you what to give

Contact a doctor straight away if

Trouble breathing, a swollen face or lips, or a rash all over the body: call emergency services
Seizures, or your child is floppy and hard to wake: call emergency services
A fever above 39 degrees that does not come down
Your child cries nonstop for more than three hours

Common questions

Can my child be vaccinated with a runny nose?

The doctor decides at the checkup. A mild runny nose without fever often is not a problem, but if your child is ill, the vaccine is usually postponed.

Is a fever after a vaccine normal?

Yes, a mild fever in the first days is common. It is the immune system responding. If it is high or does not go away, see the doctor.