Avoid using Motrin and Tylenol BEFORE the vaccine. Pain often comes the day after the vaccine so try to wait to use the analgesics and antipyretics at that time. Using these medications prior, is hypothesized to blunt your immune response. Motrin primarily acts by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. This is a late step in an immunologic reaction when used after the vaccine has been administered. Find dosing by weight here

To help prepare your cells to take your maximum daily recommended doses of Vitamin D, A, C, and Zinc. All doses of vitamins can be found here and Zinc dosing can be found here.

Vitamin A

Not only does Vitamin A boost immune function and vision, but it is also imperative to kids’ neurological health. Vitamin A can be ingested as a supplement and is found in kids’ multivitamins and in cod liver oil. Provide your child vitamin A three days before and ten days after a vaccine. Breastfeeding moms can take their vitamins in supplement form, and those vitamins will be passed to your infant through your breastmilk.

Infants can have 1500 IUs daily (confirm with your doctor), toddlers and preschoolers can have 2500 IUs daily and older kids and teens can get 5000 IUs daily. Overdosing can be toxic so check your dosing amounts with your doctor.

Vitamin C

This is a great antioxidant, meaning it protects your body from the damage of free radicals (like pollution, cigarette smoke, etc). Vitamin C can also be taken in supplement form, in multivitamins or in specific tabs (kids tend to like the gummies). You can also increase Vitamin C through diet. It is found in citrus fruits, other fruits/veggies (broccoli or strawberries), and fortified foods.

Give your child Vitamin C once a day for five days, starting on the day of the vaccine. Choose child-friendly vitamins and always read all labels carefully. Breastfeeding moms can take their vitamins in supplement form, and those vitamins will be passed to your infant through breastmilk. Infants can get 150 mg daily, toddlers and preschoolers can get 250 mg and older kids and teens can get 500-1000 mg.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is involved in calcium absorption, immune function, and protecting bone, muscle, and heart health. Healthy adults need 1000-2000 IU per day and children need 400-1000 IU. Breastfeeding moms need 5000 IU. Although you can get 425 IU in a 3-ounce serving of salmon, and 270 IU in 3.5 ounces of canned sardines, most foods provide very little (egg yolk- 25 IU and cheddar cheese -2.8 IU per ounce). And to be clear, an adult would need 3 servings of salmon every day to meet the recommendations. Milk has 100 IU per cup. If you get your child to drink 10 cups to meet their requirements you will have an entirely new set of problems.

Zinc

Zinc affects multiple aspects of the immune system and is crucial for the normal development and function of cells mediating innate immunity, neutrophils, and NK cells. It is very hard to find good supplements for zinc so look at the label and compare to my elements by age chart on my website.

Omega 3’s

Omega-3 fatty acids may help in a number of ways, including metabolism, decreasing inflammation, and mental health. Omega-3s are found in fish oil, flaxseed, breast milk, and some fruits and vegetables.

Probiotics

Probiotics can help to boost immunity by regulating internal and intestinal immunity. They can be ingested through a supplement, in some foods like yogurt, and some health powders and drinks. Limit sugar intake, chemical exposures, junk foods, cigarette smoke, and eat organic. AND PLEASE DON’T skimp on Fruits and Veggies! If you are looking for immune-boosting supplements for adults I recommend Immune Defense from Metagenics. For your children try the same website for the Metagenics Metakids line or Mary Ruth’s amazon store for immunity gummies and their vitamin collection.