What to expect & how to prepare for your infant or young child’s immunizations

Date last reviewed: 
Wednesday, Mar 13, 2024

On this page:


 
Public health nurses give vaccines to infants and young children at health units and community health centres. In First Nations communities, children get immunized by their community health nurse at their community health centre or nursing station. Some doctors and nurse practitioners also give vaccines. 
 
Learn what to expect and how to prepare for your infant or young child's immunizations. 
 

Before the visit

During the visit

  • The nurse or doctor will ask for your consent to immunize your child. You will need to have reviewed the HealthLinkBC Files on the vaccines your child is getting to give informed consent. Be sure to ask the nurse or doctor any questions you have. 
  • Support your child during the immunizations. Use these tips to make the immunization experience more positive for your child.
  • The nurse or doctor will ask you to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after immunization. This is important because after getting any vaccine, there is an extremely rare possibility of a serious life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. The chance of this reaction occurring is about 1 in 1 million, and should it occur, your health care provider is prepared to treat it. 
  • Schedule your next visit. The nurse or doctor will tell you when to book the next appointment. Stay up to date with your child's immunizations for the best protection against disease.

After the visit

  • Your child may have some side effects after immunization. Common vaccine side effects include pain, redness, and swelling where the vaccine was given and fever. Side effects from vaccines are usually mild and last 1 - 2 days. Serious side effects are very rare. You can find information on side effects in the HealthLinkBC Files
  • Find tips for reducing discomfort from side effects in the Child Health Passport (pages 14 - 17) [PDF - 635KB].
  • Contact your immunization provider/clinic, doctor, or HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 if you have concerns about any side effects. If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.
  • Always report any serious or unexpected side effects to your immunization provider/clinic or health care provider.