Taking your baby to the pediatrician for a round of shots is not easy, but it is essential in protecting him from preventable--and potentially life-threatening--diseases. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies receive their rounds of vaccinations at 2, 4 and 6 months. After the trauma of the needles has passed, keep an eye on your baby to look for any side effects from the vaccinations.
Fever
Some babies will run a fever after their vaccinations. This fairly common but non-serious side effect should not be a cause for concern. Ask your pediatrician what you can give the baby in case he contracts a fever following the vaccinations. The pediatrician can give you an appropriate dosage based on your baby's weight for an over-the-counter fever reducer.
Soreness
Another common but minor side effect is soreness at the site of the vaccination. The soreness will go away in a day or two, and there is nothing you need to do to treat it. If you notice your baby responding when you put pressure on the vaccine site, he's probably sore. Be careful not to put too much pressure on that area until the soreness goes away.
Fussiness
You might go to the pediatrician with a happy baby but leave with a fussy one. A round of shots can cause fussiness in your baby, and this fussiness is normal. If your baby is inconsolable, he might be having an allergic reaction to a shot, such as the DtAP vaccine. Contact your pediatrician in extreme cases of fussiness. If he's just extra fussy that, give him extra attention, and comfort him by holding him, rocking him or nursing him.
Allergic Reaction
A more serious but less common side effect of vaccinations is an allergic reaction to the vaccine. If you follow the AAP-recommended vaccine schedule, your baby will have more than one vaccine at the visit, making it difficult to pinpoint which shot was the source of the allergic reaction. Look for symptoms that include difficulty breathing, hives, weakness or dizziness. These can indicate a serious allergic reaction, and your baby will need to go to the pediatrician or emergency room for immediate attention.
