Vaccination day – preparing for your little one’s jabs

Be prepared

Being prepared can help to reduce any feelings of stress and anxiety around your child’s vaccinations. For the earlier jabs, your baby is unlikely to know what’s coming, however if you are feeling anxious, they are likely to pick up on it. Take a deep breath and go armed to the appointment with any questions you have, as well as a bottle of Calpol to administer as advised.

When it comes to the pre-school vaccinations, it may help to explain what’s coming in advance to your child. This is so they aren’t suddenly put into a situation that frightens them. Online videos can be a very useful tool in preparing them for what to expect, such as this one with CBeebies star Dr. Ranj.

You might also find it useful to read up on the vaccination schedule as well as some useful hints and tips here.

Reassurance is key

For babies, constant reassurance throughout the process is important. While they won’t be able to understand exactly what you’re saying, soothing tones will help to calm them both during and after their vaccinations.

For older children, explaining the importance of what is happening in simple terms can help them to process the reason for their appointment with the nurse. Being honest with your little one helps to build a relationship of trust. You might want to say something like, “you may feel a scratch on your arm when the nurse gives you the injection, but it will be over quickly, and it will help to protect you from getting poorly.”

Using a doctor toy set and role playing with your child’s favourite teddy in advance may also help to prepare them for when they receive their injections. Timing is key when it comes to preparation. So, have the conversation the night before a morning appointment or in the morning before an afternoon visit to the nurse. Too far in advance and your child’s anxiety may build (or they may forget), and too close to the appointment itself and they may feel rushed into it.

On the day

On the day itself, you may want to take your little one’s favourite comforter, dummy, or teddy for extra reassurance.

Try to remain calm throughout the process yourself, as this is reassuring for your little one.

For older children, you might want to focus on something enjoyable that you are going to do after the visit to the doctor’s. This could include a trip to the park perhaps, lunch out together, or an ice cream.

Depending on the age of your child, when it comes time for the injections, the nurse will ask you to sit them on your lap, securing arms and/or legs firmly but gently to prevent them from flailing around. It might help to sing a song or keep talking about what you’re going to do after the visit, to distract them. If your baby has milk, offering the breast or a bottle after the injections may help to settle them.   

After the event

It’s true what they say, the thought of having an injection is often worse than the actual event itself! And the chances are, it will be over before either of you have even realised. Then you can both enjoy lots of cuddles and a treat afterwards.

Depending on what injections your little one is having, you may be advised to offer Calpol over the next 24 hours. Check with your care provider about this as well as asking about any side effects to look out for. These usually include things like general grouchiness and a fever, but usually pass quickly.