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This post will help you prepare for what is going to happen at your Checkup and why these medications are suggested by the medical community.
In preparation for your appointment, pre medicating your child is not necessary but a risk verses benefit situation. Rumors have flown that giving your child Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) will help with their shots. Studies prove it does not decrease discomfort. Now if there is some other reason your child needs medication prior to their appointment no need to worry, its ok, just let your healthcare provider know when you get there.
What your kiddo will receive and why:
Hep B/ Hepatitis B Vaccine (3 doses) Shot in the Thigh. Hepatitis B can range in severity but in some cases deadly. It manifests as liver disease.
at birth
1 - 2 months
6 - 18 months
RV/Rotavirus Vaccine (2 or 3 doses depending on manufacture) Small amount of Liquid placed at the back of their cheek and tongue. Rotavirus is a stomach bug on crack that can be easily spread among children because everything goes in their mouths.
2 months
4 months
6 months
DTaP/ Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis Vaccine (5 doses) Shot in Thigh then Arm as they get bigger. Diphtheria is an awful disease that causes paralysis and breathing issues, Tetanus causes uncontrollable muscle contractions, and Pertussis is a respiratory disease that can be deadly in infants. Different combinations of this vaccine are available as boosters and for people with reactions to previous vaccines, age and need bases the letter combo but they treat the same diseases (DTap, TDap, Td, Dt).
2 months
4 months
6 months
15–18 months
4–6 years
Hib/Haemophilus influenzae type b Vaccine (3 or 4 doses based on manufacturer) Shot in the Thigh. Flu like symptoms easily passed between young children.
2 months
4 months
6 months
12–15 months
PCV13 /pneumococcal Vaccine (4 doses) Shot in the Thigh. Cold like symptoms leading to pneumonia, bloodstream infections, meningitis, sinusitis and middle ear infections.
2 months
4 months
6 months
12–15 months
IPV /Inactivated Polio Vaccine ( 4 doses) Shot in the Thigh then Arm when bigger. Deadly virus affecting the spinal cord.
2 months
4 months
6 -18 months
4 - 6 years
MMR /Messles, Mumps, and Rubiella Vaccine (2 doses) Shot in the Thigh then Arm when bigger. All 3 diseases are characterized by flu like symptoms, rash, high fevers, and severe lethargy. Pregnant moms please remember Rubella can be devastating to and unborn fetus.
12-15 months
4 - 6 years
Varicella Vaccine (2 doses) Shot in the Thigh and Arm when Bigger. Chickenpox is characterized by its rash and high fevers. Like Rubella Pregnant women should not be exposed to chickenpox and or shingles do to the risk to their unborn child.
12-15 months
4 - 6 years
Hep A /Hepatitis A Vaccine (2 doses) Shot in the Thigh and in the Arm when bigger. Like Hep B, hep A affects the liver and causes patients to be extremely weak.
12 - 23 months
6 months after first dose
If you notice the above timelines overlap because based on best practice these vaccines work best within these ages but can be given within a time frame. For baby and parents comfort your child will not be receiving 10 shots at one appointment. Most offices have a timeline that works best within their practice to minimize multiple vaccines at one time or within a short time. Kids can experience site pain, fever, soreness, and lethargy post vaccination. Treat with acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) as needed but only if needed. And as always seek help if your child is having trouble breathing or any other severe symptoms post vaccine.
Distraction techniques are amazing. A boob, a pacifier, a bottle, a big snuggle is all you need when they are done with the nurse. Remember the nurse has done this a million times and most of the time they work at the speed of light. You are the one after creating the secure attachment. If you have anxiety about the shot bring a support person or bringing a shot blocker can help relieve stress. A shot blocker is a great tool to decrease the shock of a shot in pediatric patients. Yearly flu shots starting with a series of 2 doses is recommended from 6 months on.
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