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Afternoon vaccination; good sleep before and after it may help to develop better immunity in the infants. It is perhaps immune system better interact with the agent in vaccine during sleep.
Research has shown that immunizations “take hold” more strongly when an infant has a long, deep sleep afterward, which is why some parents give acetaminophen (Tylenol) proactively.
According to the new study, published online Nov. 28 and in the December print issue of Pediatrics, infants may sleep more soundly when their shots are given after 1:30 p.m., regardless of whether they have been given any medication.
“Based on what we currently know about sleep and the immune system, parents should try to help their babies to sleep well in the days before as well as after immunizations,” said study author Linda Franck, a pediatric nurse at the University of California, San Francisco. “What we are learning about sleep and immune response to vaccines is just another reason for parents to learn how to help their baby sleep well.”
Related articles
- Infant Vaccines May Work Better If Given in Afternoon (nlm.nih.gov)
