Understanding vaccines
& immunisation
Although there is huge debate around the
effectiveness of vaccines, in South Africa
adhering to the vaccination schedule is a
requirement for your child to enter school.
When should your child get vaccinated?
According to the Department of Health, children should
be vaccinated at birth, six weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, 9
months, 18 months, 6 years and 12 years and this can be
performed at all local clinics. Your babies should receive
their first vaccines with 48 hours of birth.
From which diseases will the vaccinations
protect my child?
If your child’s vaccination schedule is kept up to date,
there are several diseases against which your child will
be protected including tuberculosis, polio and measles.
Some of these vaccines are given in the form of drops
taken orally while others are injected in the thigh or
upper arm.
Where can I get my child vaccinated?
Vaccines are free of charge at local clinics and community
health centres. There are also a number of wellness baby
clinics operating from pharmacies and private hospitals.
At each visit you will be advised on how to handle the
potential reactions to the vaccine as well as the date for
the next immunisation.
Make sure you have your immunisation card
When your baby is born, you will be given an immunisation
card which sets out the vaccine intervals. This card must
be taken with you and completed when your child
receives his/her vaccines. Please keep it in a safe place.
Whenever your child is vaccinated, the nursing sister
will measure your child’s weight, length and the head
circumference etc, to determine if your child is growing
at the expected rate.
Tips for dealing with immunisations
• You may notice redness and swelling at the injection
site and your child may have a slight fever. This should
clear up within 24 hours.
• Call your doctor if your child cries uncontrollably after
vaccines.
• Try applying vapour rub to the site of the injections
immediately after they take place to alleviate some of
the pain your baby may experience.
• Avoid touching the injection site.
• Dress your baby in loose-fitting clothing to minimise
the chances of irritating the injection site.
• Bathing your baby in cold Rooibos tea may also help
to reduce pain and inflammation.
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