DR LOVAAN’S ONE-PAGE NOTES

VACCINATION AT 8 WEEKS
SCENARIO: A mother with a 5-week-old child has concerns about vaccinations. The child has been
scheduled for vaccination in 3 weeks’ time.
APPROACH:
1. Greet and identity
2. Paraphrase that she has a new baby, and she has some concerns.
3. Reassure that you will explain everything about the vaccines – IDEA + CONCERNS

• IDEA – Does she know how the vaccine works?

• CONCERNS – Any particular concerns?

4. Explanation:
Vaccines contain harmless form of bacteria, or virus that pushes our own immune system to produce
sufficient protection against serious infection.

CHECK UNDERSTANDING

Tell – Immunization is very effective, and these vaccinations protect children from serious deadly
infections.

Let me explain the schedule – Show the UK immunization schedule

Show the list – Mention the diseases that can be covered [ Learn the abbreviations well for the
diseases which are part of the vaccine schedule eg Men B stands for Meningococcal B vaccine ]

Also mention that 2 injections on the thigh and one drop in the mouth.

5. Explain why the child needs several doses of same vaccine at different times.
6. History:
Ask how your child is doing?

• Recently been unwell?

• Any medical problems
• Medications
• Any allergies
• Birth History
• Gaining weight? Development history

7. Side-effects:

• Pain, tenderness, swelling at the injection site

• High temperature
• Being sick, diarrhoea
• Irritability – Restlessness – crying

8. Offer Leaflets