How to Soothe an Irritated Vaccination Site

Vaccination sites often becomes red and sore. This is the body's natural response to an invading substance. Usually, all traces of irritation are gone within 24 to 48 hours.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Betadine Solution
• Washcloths
• Acetaminophen
• Aspirins
• Cold Compresses
• Topical Ointment Containing Lidocaine
• Warm Compresses

1. Apply a soft washcloth dipped in ice water and wrung out to the vaccination site to reduce swelling and redness, especially within the first 12 to 24 hours.

2. Apply warm compresses or a heating pad to the vaccination site for irritation 24 to 48 hours after the vaccination.

3. Elevate the site, especially if the vaccine was given in the upper arm. Don't leave the arm dangling down all the time. Sit down beside a table. Place a pillow on a table and place your arm on the pillow.

4. Apply a topical cream containing lidocaine, if recommended by your doctor. Lidocaine numbs the skin.

5. Give a child acetaminophen for pain. Take aspirin for pain, if you are an adult.

6. Cleanse the vaccination site with a betadine swab if the area looks crusty or bloody. Dried blood is a perfect medium for bacteria to grow in.

7. Lay your palm against the vaccination site if your child complains that his or her vaccination is causing pain. The comfort of a mother's or father's prolonged touch can make the "ouch" go away.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid overuse of the appendage that has been vaccinated.

• For more information on vaccination care, call the National Vaccine Information Center at (800) 909-SHOT. To speak with a pediatric nurse, call Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago at (800) KIDSDOC.

• A vaccination site should not continue to be irritated after three or four days. If the site remains red, swollen and hot to the touch, or if there is bleeding or pus coming from the site, call your doctor.