What Role Does Vaccination Have in Saving Lives?

By Divya Sureka - Updated: December 24, 2021

Vaccinations are crucial for giving you and your child a long and healthy life in the coming years. They reduce the potential risk of acquiring a disease by working with an individual’s natural immunity to build protection. Expecting a child in the midst of the prevailing pandemic situation has not been easy! As a first-time mother, I will have lived in constant fear of unconsciously exposing my child to a real health risk. In addition to adopting safety precautions, I make sure that both my child and I receive our recommended immunisations from our doctors.

Watching your child take the vaccine shot is painful. But we as parents should be aware of the fact that vaccines are thoroughly tested and approved by health authorities. We are blessed to be born in an era where the medical world has developed to bestow wellness to one and all.

My daughter did face minor side effects like fever and swelling at the injection site, but that didn’t last long. But, in the long run, immunisation is safe, effective, and protects your child from illness. A few tears shed by your baby will shield them from life-threatening diseases.

Here are a few quick tips I have followed to comfort my child immediately after vaccinations –

• In her first few vaccines, I practised swaddling her soon after getting her shot. It would make her feel safe and calm

• Making shushing sounds to calm her down and ensure she doesn’t cry further.

• I applied gentle pressure and rubbed her skin around the injection spot.

• Swinging her in my arms

• allowing her to suck on a pacifier or feed her.

Plan your child’s vaccination based on her sleep schedule and daily routines. This has worked best for me. After shedding a few precious tears during the vaccination, I usually put her to sleep. After vaccination, sound sleep ensures that your child will wake up fresh and active. My husband and I always take out time for our daughter’s vaccination. A father’s steady support and mothers warmth help her fight the vaccination day like a soldier!

Do not miss/skip your child’s vaccination at any cost! In fact as she is growing up we are practising positive reinforcement by taking her to a play room or park for being brave. We only end up making bitter-sweet memories in this process.

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