UNDERSTAND
YOUR BABY’S UNIQUE HEALTH
NEEDS

Vaccination is the best way to protect your child against many dangerous diseases. vaccines prevent illnesses such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), rotavirus, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, pneumococcal and meningococcal diseases, and human papillomavirus virus (HPV).

• 5-in-1 or 6-in-1 vaccine (also known as DPTP-Hib), DPT-polio, or Hib vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and Hib disease.
• Rotavirus vaccine protects infants against rotavirus, the most common cause of serious diarrhea in babies and young children.
• Pneumococcal vaccine protects against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, including meningitis (a brain infection), pneumonia, and ear infections.
• Meningococcal vaccine protects against diseases caused by the meningococcus bacteria, including meningitis and septicemia, a serious blood infection.
  MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
• Varicella vaccine protects against chickenpox, a very uncomfortable and sometimes serious infection.
  Hepatitis B vaccine protects against hepatitis B, a serious infection of the liver.
• DTaP vaccine protects adolescents against Diptheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).
• HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer, some other cancers, and genital warts.
• If your child has a chronic health condition, other vaccines may be recommended. Speak to your physician.
• You should also speak to a physician about vaccines that can protect your child while traveling.

• Most vaccines are given with a needle. This can be painful and frightening for children.
• Pain can cause a child to develop a fear of doctors, nurses and needles.
• No parent wants to see a child in pain. Some parents delay or stop vaccinations because of pain. This can leave a child without protection from serious diseases.
• Read this guide to learn about 3 ways you can reduce your child’s pain during vaccinations. These methods are proven to be safe and effective. You can combine the different methods for better results.
• Plan what you will do for your child’s next vaccination.
• Some strategies require preparation ahead of your child’s visit: 1) Sugar water can be prepared at home or at the clinic by mixing 1 teaspoon of sugar with 2 teaspoons of water. 2) Topical anaesthetics can be applied at home or at the clinic to numb the skin – these can be purchased at a pharmacy without a prescription. 3) Toys for distracting your child can be packed and brought to your child’s visit.

Needles can hurt. To lessen the pain you can:

• Apply a topical anesthetic (a cream that causes temporary numbness) an hour before getting the needle. You may have to confirm with your doctor what part of your child’s body the shot will be given (for example, the arm or the leg). Your pharmacist can help you find the cream.
• Nurse your baby while he gets the needle, or give your baby sugar water (with a teaspoon or pacifier) just before the shot.
• Use distractions (blow bubbles, read a book), suggest deep breathing, remain calm and physically comfort your child (cuddle, hold hands) during the needle.
• If your child is crying or fussy after getting the shot, you can give her acetaminophen (such as Tylenol or Tempra).

• If you are breastfeeding, start to breastfeed your baby before the needle. Make sure you have a good latch. Then continue breastfeeding during and after the needle.
• Breastfeeding combines holding, sweet taste, and sucking and is one of the best ways to reduce pain in babies. Breastfeeding during needles is safe for babies, even newborns. There is no evidence that babies will choke or associate their mothers with pain.
• Undress your baby to free the leg(s) or arm(s) where the needle will be given before you start breastfeeding.
• If your child cannot be breastfed, you may bottle feed your child or give a soother before, during and after vaccination.

• Hold your child on your lap or hug your child during the needle. This will help your child stay still and feel secure.
• Sit on a chair to minimize the risk of accidental falls.
• Make sure to undress your child to free the leg(s) or arm(s) where the needle will be given
• Don’t hold your child too tightly. This can increase pain and distress.
• You may rock your child back and forth after the needle

• You can use sugar water to reduce your child’s pain.
• Sugar water is safe for children, even newborns.
  Make sugar water at home or at the clinic by mixing 1 teaspoon of white sugar with 2 teaspoons of distilled or boiled water. For babies over 6 months, you may use tap water if the tap water is safe for drinking.
• Give your child some sugar water 1 to 2 minutes before vaccination, using a dropper (or syringe). Place it into the side of your child’s mouth between the cheeks and gums. • If your child uses a soother, the soother can be dipped into the sugar water and given to your child during the needle. Combining sugar water with a soother and holding your child can simulate aspects of breastfeeding.
• If your child is getting a vaccine called rotavirus, then you do not need to give sugar waterbecause the rotavirus vaccine has sugar in it