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Questions Parents Have about Immunizations
It is great to see that Ghana provides a comprehensive vaccination program for all children. It is important for parents to keep track of their child's immunization schedule and ensure that they receive all the necessary vaccines at the appropriate times. It is also helpful that vaccines are available at community child welfare centres to make it easier for parents to access them. It is normal for parents to have concerns and questions about vaccinations, and it is important to address these with healthcare professionals to ensure that parents feel informed and confident in their decision to vaccinate their children.Are the vaccines of the best quality?
Yes, all vaccines your baby receives in Ghana are of the highest quality in the world. The vaccines coming to Ghana are through GAVI and endorsed by UNICEF and WHO. That is the reason why vaccinations are not repeated when you relocate to another country. And another reason to have all your baby's vaccinations here is that the vaccines are totally free. You do not pay for any of the shots your baby receives.
Are vaccines safe?
Yes, vaccines are very safe. Vaccines have reduced the deaths of children from dreadful diseases such as tetanus, measles and other childhood infections. It is so rare to see a child with full-blown measles or polio in Ghana now. Many grandparents can explain to you how those diseases have killed many children in some time past. It is rare to have a vaccine complication too. Your baby is well protected through vaccination.
How will the staff treat my baby?
Public health nurses at the vaccination centres are some of the kindest nurses you will meet. They are very professional and make the vaccination experience a good one. They will teach you how to comfort your baby and reduce the pain. They will also show you how to administer pain medications for your child.
What happens if my baby is sick or has a high temperature before the vaccination?
Your child will not be vaccinated on the day you are booked if your baby is sick. The nurse will examine your baby and give appropriate recommendations. You will be given a new appointment when your baby is better. Babies who are seriously ill in the hospital will also miss their vaccination appointments. They will be rescheduled to a later date when the baby has fully recovered.
My child is preterm, when can we start vaccination?
After discharge from the hospital, you will be educated on the appropriate time for vaccinations. This will usually start when your baby weighs 1.5kg.
What should I expect at the vaccination centre?
The vaccines will be administered by the public health nurse. It starts with the nurse welcoming you and your baby. She will ask about feeding and any concerns you may have. She then weighs your baby and examines him/her to make sure your baby is healthy. Then she explains to you the vaccines your child will receive. She then gives the vaccines. This is done so professionally that most babies will only cry after the vaccinations are over. You will also be told what to expect after the vaccination such as pain at the injection site, irritability and crying and a high temperature for about twenty-four (24) hours. You will be taught how to correctly administer pain relief. The nurse will record all the vaccines given in your baby's immunization book. This will include the date, type of vaccine given and the batch number of the vaccine as well as the next visit date.
Why are multiple vaccines given on the same day?
Vaccines are safe to be given together and some are mixed in one solution. This reduces the number of shots your child will receive at a single time. An example is the Pentavalent vaccine. It contains five (5) different vaccines in one bottle. It also reduces the number of hospital visits for you and your baby. Imagine giving your baby an injection for each vaccine! That will be too many. Your baby can build immunity for all the vaccines at the same time. It also reduces the number of days your child will have a high temperature and pain.
What should I do if my baby cries?
The vaccination causes pain at the injection site and some babies cry a lot. They become irritable any time the injection site is touched. They may also have challenges with sleep. Pain relief with paracetamol as recommended will help reduce the pain. Breastfeeding also helps to soothe the baby and a cold compress on the injection site is also helpful. This is a good time to practice your own lullaby. Your baby will love it very much.
What should I do if my baby has a high temperature after the vaccination?
It is usual for babies to have a high temperature after vaccination. It is a good sign that immunity is building itself to defend your baby against these deadly diseases. It is recommended that you give paracetamol every 8 hours as recommended by the public health nurse. Do not exceed the approved dose for your baby. The high temperature will subside within the first three days and is not harmful to your baby. You can speak to the nurse if you have concerns about the high temperature.
Will my baby be fully protected?
For most vaccines, your baby will be protected for a long time and may not need boosters till some years later. Some vaccines like the BCG for tuberculosis are given only once. It is also helpful if the children in your neighbourhood are also vaccinated. This is called herd immunity and it is very protective. Ghana aims to achieve herd immunity against all these diseases.
How do I report any adverse effects from the vaccination?
Adverse effects from vaccines can be reported at the child welfare centres, the nearest hospital, the Ghana Health Service reporting channels or the Food and Drugs Authority.
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