Preparing for Shots
You can support your child in order to make their immunization appointment easier.
Before your child's appointment:
- Be prepared: Read any information that your child's provider may have given you about immunizations.
- Write down any questions that you may have.
- Bring your child's immunization card if you have it so it can be updated.
- Pack a toy, blanket, or book that may be able to provide comfort for your child.
- If your child is older, be honest and explain that a shot may feel like a sting or a pinch but it won't last.
- It's important never to use shots as a threat or scare your child. Instead, remind them that shots keep them healthy and strong.
For more information about how to make shots less stressful, click HERE
What if my child is sick?
Doctors agree that children with mild illness should still receive immunizations and stay on schedule. This is because mild illness will not impact the vaccine and the vaccine will not make illness worse.
Symptoms of mild illness include:
- Temperature below 101 degrees F
- The common cold
- An ear infection
- Mild diarrhea
Children with moderate to severe illness may need to wait to have vaccines administered. Discuss your concerns with your child's health care provider. For more information from the CDC click HERE.
After the Shots...
What if my child has a reaction?
Your child may need extra love and care after getting vaccinated. Some vaccinations that protect children from serious diseases can also cause mild discomfort.
Feel free to call your child's health care provider or one of our clinics for more questions.
PHDM Escanaba - (906)786-4111 ext. 8165
PHDM Menominee - (906)863-4451
I think my child has a fever. What should I do?
- Check to see if your child has a fever.
- Give your child plenty of fluids
- Keep your child lightly clothed and don't wrap them tightly.
- You can give your child fever reducing medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Do not give aspirin. Recheck temperature after 1 hour.
- Give your child a sponge bath in 1 to 2 inches of lukewarm water.
- If your child's fever is 101 degrees or higher, or if you have questions call your clinic or health care provider.
My child has been fussy since getting vaccinated. What should I do?
Your child may be fussy due to fever or discomfort. You may want to give your child ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help. Do not give your child aspirin. If your child's discomfort lasts more than 24 hours, call your clinic or health care provider.
My child's leg or arm is swollen, hot, and red. What should I do?
- Apply a cool wet washcloth over the sore area for comfort.
- You may give acetaminophin or ibuprofen for discomfort. Do not give aspirin.
- If the redness or tenderness continues after 24 hours, call your clinic or health care provider.
If you are worried at all about how your child looks or feels, call your clinic or health care provider.
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, contact your child's health care provder right away:
- Does your child have a temperature about which your health care provider has told you to be concerned?
- Is your child pale or limp?
- Has your child been crying for more than 3 hours and can't seem to stop?
- Does your child have a strange or unusual cry? (A high pitched cry)
- Is your child's body shaking, twitching or jerking?
- Does your child have a marked decrease in activity or decrease in responsiveness?
**If your child appears to be experiencing an unusual or severe reaction, contact your family physician, the Emergency Room (OSF St. Francis Hospital 906-786-3311; Aurora Bay Medical Center 715-735-4200), or Public Health, Delta & Menominee Counties (Escanaba 906-786-4111; Menominee 906-863-4451).**
To learn about the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), or to report and event, click HERE
