Do you give your child (5 and older) a pain reliever BEFORE receiving immunization shots?
Is it a good idea or not?
TIA
Thank you! I had read the same article about Tylenol decreasing the effectiveness of the shots. I've never given my children Motrin before their shots, but a Mom friend said she did when her son was 5 because she thought it would help ease the pain.
I'll plan on NOT giving my DS any Motrin beforehand. It's true that an ice pack and a simple treat helps a lot! If he gets a fever or is in pain, then of course I will =-)
I read an article a few months ago that tylenol and the like can lessen the effectiveness of a vaccine.
My understanding is that Tylenol lowers your glutihthione level, which is your body's natural detoxification process. Although the issue of vaccines vs. autism is hotly debated, I'm just of the opinon that you want your child's body to be working optimally when the shot is given and you want them to be able to naturally flush out the elements of the shot that their body does not need to (or should not) hold onto. Just something to consider.....
The only pain reliever I give at the doctor's office is a Thin Mint cookie, but I find it's remarkably effective : )
If they're feverish later or the next day I give tylenol.
I always forget until afterward, or more typically, I remember in the car on the way there... which counts as afterward (Just being honest).
I never did when they were under 5 either. The pain only lasts for seconds, I saved the meds for in case there was a fever.
It is up to you, or depending how your child is.
For me, and my kids, shots only hurts at the moment it goes in.
You are talking about Tylenol or Motrin, right?
That is the usual recommended thing, to give.
Ask your Pediatrician.
there was an article out not too long ago about giving tylenol reducing the effectiveness of the vaccines. I only give motrin following a vaccine if my kids either have a high fever from it or complain a lot about their arm aching.
No, I never have. Haven't really needed to. They have been a bit grumpy after the shot (rarely) so that has just been a bit more cuddling, maybe an ice cream, and some more mama attention. I would rather do that then give more medicine.
L.
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I would only do it after, if they act like they need it. I agree with all the other reasons below... and I just don't think it is ever good to medicate a child without cause or "just in case"
I never remember beforehand! And then afterward when my kids are all cranky and complaining about how their arm (leg, little butt) hurts, I feel badly that I didn't remember, and give it to them then.
I don't bother. Some shots give him no tenderness at all, and the few that do are not so bad it can't wait till later.
D., please make sure YOU have done the research on vaccinations for YOUR child. The AAP recommended schedule of shots for children is too many, too soon. Here are sites and books that I always recommend for people to start their research:
www.909shot.com
www.tacanow.org
www.generationrescue.com
Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders, by Dr. Kenneth Bock
The Vaccine Book, by Dr. Robert Sears
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Childhood Vaccinations, by Dr. Stephanie Cave
Evidence of Harm, by David Kirby
And you are right about questioning Tylenol. It does put the immune system on hold for up to 22 days with each does. Not good when you want the immune system on tip top shape. You need to really question yourself about vaccines. If you son has already started developing food allergies, get the first two books, immediately. Go to the doctor's office and ask for the package inserts on each and every shot and read the whole thing, something I wish that I had known about before my children were injected. I am not kidding - YOU need to do the research as the doctor's will not know or do not want you to know.
I do. It's not gonna hurt anything.
