Healthcare professionals know that seeing a child get vaccinated makes any parent anxious because no one likes to see their child uncomfortable. However, they also understand the importance of vaccines in keeping kids safe and healthy. Vaccines protect children from dangerous diseases like polio, measles, and whooping cough illnesses that were once very common.
Why do Children Need Shots?
Vaccines teach the body to recognize and fight off specific germs using a tiny, harmless piece of the disease. When a child is vaccinated, their immune system builds up defenses, so if they encounter a disease their body will be able to prevent serious illness.
What are Normal Reactions?
After a vaccination, parents can expect certain normal reactions and signs the immune system is doing its job. Parents might notice redness, tenderness, or swelling where the shot was given, a low-grade fever, or some fussiness or extra sleepiness and these normally go away in a day or two. Sometimes a child may lose their appetite or feel tired. A cool cloth, cold pack or a mild, non-aspirin pain reliever (as advised by the doctor) helps with any discomfort.
What are Not Normal Reactions?
Parents need to watch for severe or unusual reactions. While rare, serious symptoms like trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, a fever over 105°F, seizures, ongoing vomiting, or uncontrollable crying for more than three hours should be taken seriously. Severe allergic reactions happen in about 1–2 out of every million vaccinations and are important to recognize quickly.
Since parents need to watch for fever monitoring body temperature helps. Exergen ‘s Temporal Artery Thermometer provides a quick reading by a gentle swipe across the forehead, by gently touching it. This makes daily checks simple and effective, even when a child is asleep.
While vaccines may cause mild, short-term discomfort, the benefits far outweigh the risks. Most side effects are gentle reminders that the body is building strong protection. If something seems unusual, it’s always okay to call the doctor. Every step taken to vaccinate a child is a step toward a healthier, safer future for everyone.
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EXERGEN P/N 850534