What to expect at your baby's first vaccinations
The first vaccination appointment usually comes at 6 to 8 weeks of age, depending on your country. Knowing how it will go removes most of the worry.
Before you go
Feed your baby beforehand if you can - a full, calm baby copes better. Dress them in something with easy access to the thighs, where the injections are given at this age. Bring the vaccination record booklet if you have one. You do not need to give paracetamol in advance, with one exception: if the MenB vaccine is on your country's schedule for this visit, the nurse will advise infant paracetamol to reduce the chance of fever - follow their instructions on timing and dose.
During the appointment
The nurse will check your baby is well and ask a few questions. Your baby will usually have two or three injections, one in each thigh, and possibly oral drops for rotavirus. The injections take seconds. Holding your baby against your chest, or feeding during or straight after, is the most effective comfort - it is more soothing than any distraction technique.
Afterwards
Expect your baby to cry for a minute or two, then settle. Over the next day or so they may be a bit unsettled, sleepy or feed less enthusiastically, and the injection sites may be red or firm. A mild fever is common. Give extra cuddles and feeds; treat a fever or obvious discomfort with the correct dose of infant paracetamol for their weight and age.
When to seek advice
Contact a doctor if your baby has a fever above 39C that will not come down, a fever lasting more than two days, a high-pitched or unusual cry that goes on for hours, a fit, or - very rarely - swelling of the face or breathing difficulty within minutes of the vaccine. Clinics are equipped to deal with immediate reactions on the spot, which is one reason vaccines are given there.
The next appointments
The pattern repeats at roughly 12 and 16 weeks. Most parents find the second and third visits easier, because they know what to expect.