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Minimizing the Ouch Factor – 9 Tips to Make Vaccinations Easier for Kids

Posted by Nichole Baxter on 2/14/18 10:51 AM

If you’re taking your child in for their flu shot or vaccinations, you’ll want to be prepared. Comforting your child before, during, and after a shot can help reduce the risk of developing a fear of needles.

Our pediatricians have pulled together some suggestions for minimizing overreactions to shots by age. (Jump to infographic.)

To help children a year of age or younger through a shot, Swapna Kudtarkar, MD, a pediatrician with Dignity Health Medical Group – Inland Empire, recommends the following:

  • Hold your baby in your lap and feed them, or give them a pacifier during shot.
  • Swaddle the baby immediately after the shot, and rock them close to your body.
  • Apply gentle pressure and massage around the injection site, to reduce post-vaccine tenderness.

Sarah Favila, MD, a pediatrician with Dignity Health Medical Foundation – Woodland and Davis, has a different set of suggestions for parents with children between one and three years old.

  • Bring along a special toy to give your child just before the shot. This helps distract them from the prick.
  • Invite your child to sing their favorite song with you, just before and during the shot.
  • Stay calm! Your child will pick up on your mood, if you seem nervous or worried.

For children between four and six years old, Katie Meyer, DO, a pediatrician with Dignity Health Medical Group – Merced, recommends:

  • If your child asks about their shots, be honest but comforting. Let your child know that vaccines help protect them and keep them nice and healthy.
  • Studies have shown that having a child cough or pretend to blow out a birthday candles while they receive a shot can minimize overreactions.
  • Offer your child a small reward for getting their vaccine. This gives them something to look forward to and takes focus off of the shot.

Find a pediatrician who specializes in humankindness near you by visiting DHMF.org.

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Topics: Health & Wellness, Tips & Trends, Family Medicine, Mercy Imaging Centers, DHMG - Sequoia, DHMG - San Francisco, DHMG - Bakersfield, Mercy Medical Group, DHMG - Stockton, DHMG - Merced, Woodland Clinic, DHMG - Dominican, Pediatrics, DHMG - Inland Empire, DHMG - Ventura County, Primary Care, DHMG - Northridge, Redding, Red Bluff, DHMG - North State, Dignity Health Advanced Imaging

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