How Do You Prepare Your Child for Their Vaccination?

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

1. In bigger children, it is important to talk about why they need their vaccines. Emphasize that vaccines will protect them from harmful diseases.
2. Getting a shot can be painful or stinging but tell your child that the pain is just for a short while. Avoid telling scary stories or making threats about shots.
3. Getting a reward after vaccination can be a positive motivation for children. It can be as simple as an extra 30 minutes of game time or an ice-cream treat! Praising them after their vaccination works as well!

𝐒𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧)

1. Distract and comfort by cuddling, singing or talking softly. Smile and make eye contact with your child to give him or her reassurance.
2. Comfort your child with his or her favorite toy, book or familiar smelling blanket.
3. After the shots, hold and cuddle your child. A soothing voice combined with praises and hugs is reassuring. Babies can be soothed through swaddling, skin-to-skin contact, and breastfeeding.

𝐒𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬)

1. Create distractions by telling or reading stories.
2. Support your child if he or she cries. Never scold a child for not being “brave”.
3. Take deep breaths with your child to help “blow out” the pain.