How do I prepare my baby for vaccination, and what should I do afterwards?

Last reviewed: 2026-06-14

Quick answer

Before the jab, make sure your baby is generally well that day (feeding, sleeping and alert as usual), bring the child's health record (jab card), and tell the staff about any past reactions or allergies. Afterwards, stay for about 15 minutes of observation before leaving. At home, the injection site may be red, swollen or a little sore, and your baby may have a mild fever, be fussy, or eat slightly less — these usually settle within a day or two. Let your baby rest and keep up fluids. Seek medical help at once for a persistent high fever, convulsions, difficulty breathing, or extreme drowsiness.

A little preparation makes your baby's vaccination smoother — and puts your own mind at ease.

Before the jab

Check your baby is well that day: if your baby is feeding, sleeping, alert and has normal bowel movements, vaccination is usually fine even with a mild cold or cough. If your baby has a fever, let them recover first and see a doctor if needed (see #61).
Bring the jab card: the child's health record shows which vaccines your baby has had, so staff can check it and give the right doses on the day.
Share the history: tell staff about any past reactions to vaccines, any drug or food allergies, and any medicines your baby is taking.
Dress for easy access: choose clothing that makes it easy to expose the thigh or upper arm.

During and right after

After the jab, stay for about 15 minutes of observation in case of an immediate allergic reaction — extremely rare, but one that needs to be handled on the spot. Feeding or cuddling can help settle your baby.

Care at home

Injection site: it may be red, swollen or a little sore. A clean, cool cloth held gently against it can help. Don't massage or rub it.
Fever and fussiness: some babies have a mild fever, cry more easily, or eat a little less for a day or two. Let them rest and feed on demand.
Fever medicine: if your baby is clearly uncomfortable from fever, you can use a child-appropriate fever medicine, dosed by weight, on the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. Never give adult medicines, and never give aspirin to a baby.

When to seek help

Get medical help straight away for: a persistent high fever, convulsions, difficulty breathing, blue lips or face, a widespread rash, severe drowsiness, or being unresponsive. These are very rare but need prompt attention.

Sources

Get Your Child Vaccinated · Family Health Service, DH (HK)
Child Health Service · Family Health Service, DH (HK)

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