How to Prepare Your Child for a Vaccination Visit

What should I do before the visit?

• Find the vaccination card and any records from other clinics.
• Note any illness in the last few days and any reaction after earlier vaccines.
• Dress your child in loose clothing that gives easy access to the thigh or upper arm.
• For babies, plan the visit so that a feed is possible straight afterwards.

How do I talk to my child about the injection?

Be honest and brief. For a preschooler, something like "You'll feel a quick pinch, and I'll be right there" works better than a promise that it will not hurt. Tell younger children shortly before the visit rather than days ahead, so they do not have time to build up worry.

What helps during the vaccination?

1. Hold your child on your lap in a secure, comforting hug.
2. Breastfeed babies during or immediately after the injection if you can.
3. Distract older children with a toy, a song, a story or counting together.
4. Stay calm yourself. Children take their cue from the adult holding them.

What is normal after a vaccine?

Mild fever, fussiness, sleepiness and redness or swelling where the injection was given are common and usually settle within one to two days. Offer extra feeds or fluids and plenty of cuddles. Ask your pediatrician at the visit whether and when to give a fever medicine, and in what dose.

When should I call the doctor?

• Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or lips, or widespread hives: seek emergency care immediately.
• A child who is very drowsy, limp or hard to wake.
• High fever that persists, or crying that cannot be soothed and is unusual for your child.
• Swelling at the injection site that keeps increasing after two days.