Friday 22 July 2011

Baby torture a.k.a immunisations and why I still am for them


Amy had her second set of jabs yesterday and let me tell you one thing: I was absolutely dreading them. I know that Amy was good as gold last time round and only cried for what was probably less that 30 seconds but things can change, can't they?

I was sure she had remembered the whole needle-in-the-leg feeling and built myself up for what could only be described as the biggest crying fit ever but as soon as we got into the treatment room, my little girlie was all flirtatious with the nurses. Could my fear have been completely pointless? When they explained which immunisations they were going to give, Amy listened as if she was fully understanding what was about to happen and even the nurses were laughing about how knowingly she looked at them. Ben quickly signed the form of consent and then the immunisation (I call it baby torture) went ahead. Both nurses quickly stuck their needles into Amy's little legs and my little baby girl broke out in the most heart-breaking cry ever. I felt so so sorry for her. Especially when I noticed that the one of the nurses must have it a vein or something. The blood was literally running down Amy's little leg and the nurse needed two cotton wool buds to stop the bleeding. 

But has horrible as it is to see my baby girl cry, I am so glad that she has lucky enough to get immunisations to protect her from illnesses such as flu, diptheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B and polio. Of course, it breaks my heart to see my baby cry but could I ever forgive myself if I didn't take her and she caught one of those life threatening illnesses that can be so easily prevented? - NO!
The jabs that so many of us take for granted or even refuse because we think that our children won't be affected by relatively rare yet dangerous illness such as polio or diphtheria are not available to 1 in 5 children worldwide. Around 10,600,000 children under age five die every year. Around two-thirds of these deaths could be avoided if these children had received basic immunisations. So be wise - immunise!

Did your children get their jabs or did you decide against having them immunised? How did your little ones cope with their jabs? Were mummy cuddles enough or did they need medicine to feel better? I would love to hear your thoughts!

17 comments:

  1. I did immunise Tala but refused to do one in each leg (at once) and so did one one jab - one leg each time as I am also needle phobic and didn't want to pass my fear on to him either as well x

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  2. Just done the preschool ones with my little boy. At least I was able to explain to him what was going on and bribe him. He didn't cry, but kept saying 'it hurts'. Happy that he's covered now and also by vaccinating him, we've protecting vulnerable children who can't have jabs for health reasons.

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  3. We had 2 month jabs last month and, of course, my little girl cried. I cried even more. It was horrible. But immunisation is important and is just one of those things yyou have to go through. Our 3 month jabs are due this Tuesday and oh, how I am dreading them! It breaks my heart to see her cry with pain.

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  4. I am the same. Its horrible putting our children through them and I always get emotional but we are so lucky to have the choice. So many children abroad cannot get them and die. A little jab and a bit of pain and we are saving their lifes xxx

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  5. I'm pro-immunisation, albiet dreading the 13 month jabs.

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  6. My little boy Oliver had his jabs yesterday too, he had one in each arm and one in his leg! It has changed since my older son had his, he had one lot at 13 months and more a few months later, now they have them all in one go and then don't need anymore til 3 and a half.

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  7. I'm very lucky as my husband has been able to take our son for all the jabs.
    I agree that these jabs are necessary. One of my sisters (now in her late twenties) had whooping cough when she was a toddler and it was nasty. She wasn't allowed to have the jab because at that time it was thought too risky to give the whooping cough vaccine to people who had relatives with epilepsy.

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  8. Great post. I am very much pro-immunisation. Not the most pleasant of appointments but 100 times better than the alternatives!

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  9. To be honest, I was quite glad that they did them both at the same time. Think it is harder to settle them the second time round... x

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  10. Aww brave little man. I agree, I guess once they understand what is happening, it gets easier for them to cope with it...

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  11. I was fine this time round but the first time I took her, I got really upset and almost started crying xxx

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  12. I'm glad when I'm through with this lot. Can't wait for the 9 month break :)

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  13. In his arms? How old is he or is that a regional thing?

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  14. Lucky you, I had to hold her both times and did not like it. Although, I think it's good that they feel calmer as soon as you give them a big cuddle afterwards..
    Your poor sister, it's good that medicine develops and everyone can have the vaccine now...

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  15. Thanks, lovely. So right, I'd take her weekly if that meant she wouldn't catch any nasty illnesses. We are so lucky to live in a country that offers vaccinations...

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  16. Oh no I meant 1 vaccination in 1 leg and then home - meant I had to go more than everyone else but I am a wreck near needles so found this was better than not taking him or getting someone else to x

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  17. Couldn't agree more. Fantastic post xx

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