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Childhood Vaccination
Vaccines protect children from serious, sometimes deadly, infections. Keeping to the immunisation schedule is one of the most important things you can do for your child’s health.
Causes & risk factors
- Not a disease — this is prevention
- Vaccines teach the immune system to fight specific germs
- Protects the child and, through herd immunity, the community
- Prevents diseases like polio, measles, whooping cough and hepatitis B
Common symptoms
- Mild fever after some vaccines
- Soreness or redness at the injection site
- Being a bit fussy or sleepy for a day
- Reduced appetite briefly
- These reactions are usually mild and short-lived
Tests & diagnosis
- No tests needed — follow the immunisation schedule
Treatment & management
- Follow the national/recommended immunisation schedule
- Keep a vaccination record card up to date
- Give fever/pain relief for discomfort at weight-based doses confirmed with a doctor
- A cool cloth on a sore injection site helps
- Catch up on any missed doses — it is not too late
When to see a doctor urgently
- A high fever, a fit or a very unwell child after a vaccine — get seen
- Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or a widespread rash — emergency
- A large, hot, spreading swelling at the injection site
- Any concern or missed doses — ask your paediatrician
Frequently asked questions
Are vaccines safe?
Yes. Vaccines are thoroughly tested and monitored. Side effects are usually mild, such as a brief fever or a sore arm. Serious reactions are very rare and far outweighed by the protection given.
What if we missed a vaccine?
It is rarely too late. Catch-up schedules exist for missed doses. Take your child’s vaccination card to the paediatrician, who will plan how to get back on track.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.