Immunizations

There were several occasions during our volunteer sessions when the three of us would accompany a few of the babies to get their immunizations. One of the heads of the BaoJi Children's Home, who got relocated to Beijing after the earthquake, would ask for our help - so each of us would carry a baby on the trip over to the hospital, which was just down the road of BCH.

The place where they got their shots was similar to a small clinic. When you first walked in, you could smell that distinct hospital/medication smell. The tiles on the floor where bright white, as were the walls and tables. There was a small waiting/play area that had a small television, some rainbow colored benches, and a few blue cushioned chairs that were shaped like cupped hands.

After the BaoJi caretaker had us checked in at the frontdesk, we'd bring the babies into the next room, where they were actually given their shots. There were four cubicles in the center of the room, and each nurse there had a station with their supplies and paperwork. Usually there would be other families there, and we'd have to wait until the baby we were holding was called.

The babies were, of course, unaware of what they were there for. As the nurse called each of their names one by one, we would sit them down with them on a bench close to her cubicle. As she prepped the syringe and swabs, we would have to position the baby so that his or her upper arm was exposed and hold them so that they wouldn't fidget.

The first time I held one of the babies for her immunization, I think I was more nervous than she was. As I held the baby's arm tight for the nurse, I could feel her already trying to fight my grip. I was eyeing the syringe's every move, and I cringed to myself as it punctured her skin. Half a second later, there was be the signature wailing sound coming from the baby's mouth. The shot was over in a matter of seconds, and I swept her up across my chest and started rocking her to keep her quiet.

We did this several times during our stay at BCH; and each time, I braced myself for the shot that the baby was getting. I remember the second trip we made to the hospital, there were about 5 babies altogether that we brought. At one point, all of them must have been crying at the same time, and for some crazy reason, I really missed home.

To be honest, I really enjoyed those trips to the hospital with the babies. Not because I enjoyed watching them getting their shots, but because it made me feel a little bit closer to really caring for them. I felt like I had a responsibility for them as they got their shots; I was happy to be the one there to comfort and quiet them each time.