The Vaccination Visit

Anita takes baby Rahul to the clinic for his scheduled vaccination. The nurse explains each vaccine and Rahul cries briefly before being comforted.

Meanings in Anita (mother), Rahul (baby), Nurse, Paediatrician

Key words and phrases

vaccinationan injection given to protect against diseaseRahul's vaccination is due this week.

injectiona shot given with a needleThe injection took only a few seconds.

immunitythe body's ability to resist diseaseVaccines help build immunity in babies.

vaccination carda record of a child's vaccinesKeep the vaccination card safe for future visits.

dosea measured amount of medicine or vaccine given at one timeThis is the second dose of the vaccine.

side effectan unwanted reaction after medicine or vaccineA mild fever is a common side effect.

schedulea planned timetable of eventsFollow the vaccination schedule given by the doctor.

comfortto make someone feel better after distressAnita comforted Rahul after the injection.

nursea person trained to care for the sick or give injectionsThe nurse handled Rahul very gently.

fevera higher than normal body temperatureHe had a slight fever after the vaccine.

booster shotan extra dose given to strengthen earlier immunityHe'll need a booster shot next year.

allergic reactionan unusual, sometimes serious response of the body to a substanceWatch for any allergic reaction after the shot.

cotton swaba small piece of cotton used to clean the skinThe nurse cleaned his arm with a cotton swab.

sterilecompletely clean and free from germsThe needle must always be sterile.

needlethe thin sharp part used to give an injectionHe barely felt the needle go in.

band-aida small adhesive strip used to cover a small woundThe nurse put a band-aid on his arm.

swellingan area that becomes larger and puffy, often from irritationA little swelling at the site is normal.

distractto draw someone's attention away from somethingAnita tried to distract Rahul with a toy.

thighthe upper part of the legThe nurse gave the injection in his thigh.

appointmenta scheduled time to meet someone, like a doctorWe have an appointment with the paediatrician at ten.

Useful sentences

Ask Which vaccine is due today?
Answer It's time for the second dose of the DPT vaccine.
Ask Will he have any side effects?
Answer He might have mild fever for a day.
Ask When is the next vaccination due?
Answer The next one is due after two months.
Ask Should I bring the vaccination card every time?
Answer Yes, please bring it to every visit.
Ask Is it normal for him to cry during the injection?
Answer Yes, it's completely normal, don't worry.
Ask Where will the injection be given?
Answer Usually in the thigh for babies his age.
Ask Is the needle sterile every time?
Answer Yes, we always use a new, sterile needle.
Ask Should I worry about an allergic reaction?
Answer It's rare, but watch him closely for an hour.
Ask Can I distract him during the shot?
Answer Yes, a toy or song usually helps a lot.
Ask When is his next booster shot due?
Answer It's due next year, we'll note the date on the card.

Dialogue

NurseGood morning, Anita. It's time for Rahul's second dose today.

AnitaOkay. Will it hurt him a lot?

NurseIt's just a small pinch, it will be quick.

Rahul(cries briefly)

AnitaIt's okay, baby, it's all done now.

NurseHe might get a mild fever tonight, give him paracetamol drops if needed.

AnitaShould I watch for an allergic reaction too?

NurseIt's rare, but stay in the waiting area for fifteen minutes just in case.

AnitaSure. Is a little swelling on his thigh normal?

NurseYes, that's completely normal and it will go away in a day or two.

Common mistakes

Saying "he took a vaccine" instead of "he got a vaccine" or "he was vaccinated."
Saying "injection pain" instead of "the injection hurts" or "it was a bit painful."
Confusing "dose" and "doze" — dose is medicine amount, doze means to sleep lightly.
Saying "put the injection" instead of "give the injection."
Saying "he has swelling" without an article — say "he has some swelling" or "there is a little swelling."
Saying "booster vaccine" instead of "booster shot" or "booster dose" in everyday speech.

Quick quiz

1. What does "immunity" mean?

2. A common side effect after vaccination is ___.

3. What should parents bring to every vaccination visit?

4. What is a "booster shot"?

5. Where is a baby's vaccine injection usually given?

6. What does "sterile" mean?

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