Earlier this week Baby Z had his one year doctor check-up, along with his vaccinations jabs. Oh how I hate the dreadful vaccinations, even though I know they are for Baby Z’s protection. I really hate seeing him poked and poorly.

As far as I have understood from British birthing groups, parents have a choice as to whether they would like their child to be vaccinated. That is not the case here in Dubai. Here, children will not be eligible for a place in school if the parents do not provide a complete vaccination record booklet. This isn’t too much of a concern, because even if given the choice, I would still opt for my son to receive all his vaccines.

The first time Baby Z had to be given a vaccine, it was quite emotionally painful to see. The nurses did a great job of being quick and efficient, but they still made Baby Z cry, and it was heart breaking to put him in that position knowingly. By the second and third time, I was starting to get a little more brave, and really appreciated the speed at which they administered the vaccine, though not the speed by which they measured and weighed him. Babies tend to panic when strangers start handling them, especially if thy are going through the delicate stages of Separation Anxiety.

Also, the last few times Baby Z has had a mild fever after the vaccinations (including the Rota-virus drops) were given, lasting up to 1 or 2 days, and to see your energetic little monkey feeling sorry for himself is quite disheartening.

During his latest vaccination, Baby Z did something completely shocking. For his first injection, he watched intently as the needle pricked his thigh and sunk into his rosy flesh. He even watched more curiously as the vaccine was injected and then the needle removed. I was shocked that he didn’t even bat an eye lid, but that was soon a far away thought as he wailed when the second injection pierced his other thigh. Ah, his normal reaction. Phew.

Thankfully, Baby Z did not develop any high temperature this time, even though I was ready and armed with the bottle of Adol (Calpol substitute) and syringe.

Though the vaccinations are still very much dreaded, I am definitely more prepared for the process and what is to come after. I am also happy in the knowledge that I am preventing my baby boy from getting severe cases of the diseases, because his little body has already made antibodies to fight against them.

For now, I can rest easy…Until the next set of jabs in six months time.

Has your child been given their vaccinations? How did they react? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below!