Vaccinations at 13-24 months: side effects, taking care of your baby during and after vaccination

As a parent, you want to ensure that your child is safe and protected. One way to do that is to make sure that your baby gets all the recommended vaccinations against potential diseases. Here’s a list of vaccines from months 13 to 24 for your baby:

From 12 to 15 months mark your baby will get the following vaccines:

• The first dosage of MMR vaccine prevents three diseases- Measles, mumps, and rubella. The second and final dosage of the vaccine will be given in between 4 to 6 years of age.
• The very first dosage of varicella vaccine will be given to your baby in the months of 12 to 15 which will provide them protection against chicken pox. A booster dosage can be given between the age of 4 to 6 years. 
• The first Hepatitis A shot is given after 1 year of age and the second shot is given subsequently 6 months after the first dosage. 
• Pneumococcal or the PCV vaccine’s 4th dosage is given to the baby between the period of 12 to 15 months of age. Pneumonia can be very fatal to small children because of their developing immune response. With this shot, you might prevent the chances of pneumonia. 
• The third and final dosage of the Hib vaccine should be given by the 15th month of age.

From 15 to 18 months mark your baby will get the following vaccine:

• The fourth dosage of the DTap vaccine is administered between 15 and 18 months of age to prevent Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Whooping Cough (Pertussis). 

By 18 months mark your baby will get the following vaccines:

• Polio is a disease that can lead to severe paralysis in babies that could be irreversible. Getting a polio vaccine can prevent this and has almost completely eradicated the disease from the world. The third and final shot of polio can be administered from 6 to 18 months of age.
• It is recommended that you give your baby an influenza (Flu) shot yearly starting at six months of age. Children younger than 8 years of age have a higher risk of catching the flu which might result in hospitalization. With a flu shot, you can minimize the severity of the illness even if your baby does catch the flu. 
• The third dosage of the Hepatitis B vaccine can be administered up to 18 months of age of the baby. 

Common side effects of immunization among babies

• Swelling on the area of the injection or shot. 
• Redness on the area of the shot.
• Your baby might be feeling some pain while the injection was administered. However, make sure that the pain isn’t intolerably high. 
• Fever is another common symptom after many vaccinations. Flu-like symptoms are common. 
• Due to all pain, swelling and even fever sometimes, your baby might become more irritable than normal.
• The irritability might make them want to eat less than they normally would. 
• Seek medical attention if the symptoms start to get more severe such as:
  • A fever above 102.2℉.
  • Swelling face. 
  • Rash on their body. 
  • Convulsions.

Taking care of your baby during vaccination

At the doctor’s your baby might feel anxious and nervous in a new environment. You should make your baby at ease so that the shots can be administered without complications. You can also provide comfort and care for your baby since it might be painful for them. 

• You can distract them by cuddling, feeding, or talking to them. 
• Bring your child’s favorite toy or book so that you can keep them engaged.
• Ask your doctor for the option of giving them medication to relieve pain. 
• Your baby might have a tantrum and cry a lot during the shot. Make sure that you are prepared for it and try to remain calm through it.

Taking care of your baby after vaccination

After the daunting process of holding your baby through the vaccination process in the doctor’s office, you will now have to take special care of them for the next couple of days. Some babies have more severe side effects from the vaccine than others. These side effects usually last for about a day or two. 

• If needed, you can give your baby a recommended amount of infant paracetamol dosage. 
• After the shots, make sure to give your baby extra care and attention. Make sure that your baby has no allergic reaction and fever.
• Cuddles and comfort will also help to soothe your baby if it is irritable and unable to sleep after getting the vaccine. 
• You can place a cool cloth gently on the area where the shot was given. 
•  If your baby has a fever, opt for medication and give them a sponge bath.

References:

• Vaccinations for Infants and Children, Age 0–10 Years: https://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4019.pdf
• Children’s Vaccines: https://www.clinicone.com.np/immunization-schedule-for-children-in-nepal/
• Childhood Vaccination Schedule: https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/children-s-health-issues/vaccination-of-children/childhood-vaccination-schedule