Vaccinating newborns is the most effective way to protect babies from serious diseases that can cause death, such as diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, among others. But does immunization have side effects? Here we explain it to you.
After receiving a vaccine, you should know that side effects do occur. However, they are mild symptoms and are not cause for alarm. The symptoms disappear on their own in a few days and some care is enough for children to improve.
In accordance with Healthychildren.org (Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics), it is important for babies to receive their first vaccine within 24 hours of birth.
Along with vaccines, it is recommended to perform the heel test which, in the first week of life, helps detect metabolic pathologies.
Subsequently, it is essential to follow a vaccination schedule. It is a program supported by medical research and that indicates when is the best time to apply each immunization dose.
Complying with this simple scheme will allow your child to be protected against 15 different diseases when they start school.
Importance of childhood immunization
Newborn vaccines are the first step to saving millions of lives. When a person receives the indicated dose, the immune system is activated and the body protects itself from diseases.
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) reflect that each year between 3.5 and 5 million of lives thanks to immunizations. Hence, it is considered an essential component of primary health care. Additionally, these vaccine schedules:
They help control outbreaks of infectious diseases. They are an instrument against antimicrobial resistance. Not only does it prevent the disease, it also stops the child from being a possible carrier. It makes the control of diseases and even their eradication viable. .
In general terms, its greatest importance is that it makes a healthy lifestyle possible for those who receive the dose and for those around them.
Side effects of vaccines in babies
In recent years, concerns have arisen about how effective vaccines are in children and whether they cause side effects. As we already mentioned, the symptoms are mild. When doses are given to children, here is what you can expect in the hours afterward:
Fever
Fever occurs because, when a vaccine is administered, the body identifies the antigens and the immune system reacts to fight the foreign bodies. The production of antibodies causes fever.
Therefore, the increase in body temperature is a natural response of the body to infection. It is a sign that the baby’s body is fighting the infection.
Fever may appear in the first 48 to 72 hours after vaccinations in newborns. It is not usually high and can be treated with an over-the-counter medication, such as pediatric acetaminophen.
However, if it is high or does not disappear, the recommendation is to consult with the pediatrician.
Redness and swelling at the injection site
Injections in newborns are given in the thigh or arm. At the moment it can cause pain and a few hours later, the area usually becomes swollen and red.
The reason is that the tissues become irritated and this causes the skin to swell. The discomfort is mild and disappears within a few hours, but the swelling can last up to a week.
Placing a cold water compress on the injection site helps relieve this symptom. What is not recommended is massage, as this can worsen the inflammation.
Drowsiness
When the body receives a virus or infection, the immune system begins to work, generating stress and fatigue in the body. Therefore, the baby may sleep a little more than usual.
You don’t have to worry, rest will help you reduce stress and recover in no time. Drowsiness caused by vaccines does not last more than 24 hours.
If excessive sleep persists, you need to consult a trusted doctor.
Irritability
When newborn vaccines cause fever, skin inflammation, and pain, babies may appear irritable and generally unwell.
To relieve the natural stress that this produces, the recommendation is to dress them in comfortable clothes, lull them to sleep, give them a warm bath and let them sleep. Symptoms should disappear within 24 hours.
Vaccines save lives and it is an unquestionable right from the first day of life. If you have questions, consult your pediatrician for more information and protect your baby from birth.
Although it may contain statements, data or notes from health institutions or professionals, the information contained in Apoteka is edited and prepared by journalists. We recommend the reader that any health-related questions be consulted with a healthcare professional.
2023-11-10 11:09:05
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