Kinder immunizations for babies

We give many “shots” to babies. In Ontario, infants usually get 2 needles at 2, 4, 6, 12, 15, and 18 months of age. I routinely ask parents to give their baby some acetaminophen before the visits and have recently implemented several other changes to decrease the discomfort associated with vaccinations.

A study published in the British Medical Journal found that babies vaccinated with longer needles (25 mm) had fewer local reactions than those vaccinated with shorter needles (16 mm).1 I now use 25-gauge, 1-inch needles. At the end of the well-baby examination, I load both vaccines in my laboratory area, away from the examination room, and fill the immunization card ahead of time. When I return, I ask mom or dad to hold baby securely in their arms, I put half of each band-aid on, and I get my alcohol wipes ready. I let the baby’s mother know that she can breastfeed afterward if she wishes and then quickly give both vaccines. I try to have all my counseling finished before giving the needles so that parents can concentrate on soothing their baby. I just remind parents to make the next appointment and let them know that they can take their time getting their child settled and ready to go. I then leave the examination room.

Babies seem to cry and fuss less with this process; I think the calmer approach is helpful to parents as well. These changes have not added any time to the visits; I think they could easily be implemented by any health professional offering vaccines to infants.

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