“Am I getting a shot?” Many parents have heard this anxious question from their children, especially as they prepare to go back to school. The fact is, before going back to school, your child may be receiving vaccinations. Many schools require it, and it’s good practice anyway to keep your child safe. While older children may have less anxiety, younger children may stress about their shots. Others, regardless of age, may worry because they just aren’t used to it.
But you can help your child cope with getting a shot. We have a few tips for how to help ease your child’s fears.
Before the Appointment
Get a toy doctor’s kit to help your child become more familiar with the tools they’ll see. Encourage free play with each toy and be sure to explain what each does. Gaining familiar with doctor’s equipment will increase curiosity and make the experience less frightening and unfamiliar.
You can also help ease anxiety by using non-theatening euphemisms. Many doctors and nurses will refer to a vaccination shot as a “poke,” and this is wording you too can use.
Sit down with your child and tell him or her what to expect. This could be the sequence of events in your appointment, like checking height, weight, and blood pressure before sitting down on a bed for an ear, nose, and throat check. Or, you could discuss what will happen when your child gets a shot: that they’ll have the area cleaned off, and then there will be a poke but it’s over very soon, and then they’ll get to pick a fun band-aid. Honesty will help ease their anxiety and build trust, but you should still focus on the positive.
At the Appointment
Bring a familiar toy or comforting item from home. These can help your son or daughter feel safe and comfortable while at the doctor’s office. You can also hold your child on your lap or in a hug. Talk to your child while it’s happening, both as a comfort and as a distraction.
If your child is still anxious, you can use alternate focus or different sensations. For example, try having your child blow bubbles if it’s allowed in your doctor’s office. Or, you can try counting, singing, or asking questions that require them to think about something else. You can also use cold and vibration to decrease any painful sensations. Combine these two in a battery-operated vibrating toy and a cold pack.
Afterwards
Continue using positive and encouraging language. Listen, and focus briefly on what went well rather than on what hurt or was scary. Then be sure to move onto a new topic. Dwelling on it may only increase anxiety for the next visit.