Can’t take a bath after vaccination in infancy?

Fact: There is no scientific evidence or research to suggest that babies should not be bathed after being vaccinated.

Analysis: Generally, it is safe to bathe your baby as long as he or she is not significantly uncomfortable after vaccination. Here are some precautions to help ensure your baby's comfort and safety:

1. Appropriate water temperature: When bathing your baby after vaccination, make sure the water temperature is appropriate (32℃～37℃), not too hot. Usually, avoid local hot compress stimulation within 72 hours.

2. Avoid local rubbing: Rubbing the injection site may cause local swelling or bruising (bleeding).

3. Observe adverse reactions: After vaccination, if the baby has adverse reactions, such as discomfort, continuous crying or other abnormal reactions, you can temporarily refrain from bathing to avoid aggravating the discomfort. You can wait until the baby's symptoms subside before bathing.

Generally speaking, there are no strict rules for bathing after vaccination. If your family has special customs for bathing, or your baby has a special reaction to a certain vaccine, or your doctor has other special suggestions, you can follow the doctor's advice.

References

[1] Jan E Drutz. Standard immunizations for children and adolescents: an overview. UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/en/standard-immunizations-for-children-and-adolescents-overview. (Accessed on Apr 23, 2024).

[2] Diao Liandong, Sun Xiaodong. Practical Vaccinology[M]. Shanghai: Shanghai Science and Technology Press, 2015.1.

Author: Fan Yunzhu, Chief Physician of Jiahui Medical

Review丨Zhang Yu, researcher/PhD, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, national health science expert