Making Vaccines Less Traumatic: A Parent's Guide

Vaccines strengthen the immune system and are considered by many doctors to be an important part of growing up healthy. Unfortunately, vaccines can also be traumatic for small children. These tips will help you keep your child comfortable and calm while the shots are being given, and after the vaccines have been administered.

Give Your Child Acetaminophen

Children can feel cranky, feverish and achy after they get their shots. Acetaminophen can help with these symptoms. Some pediatricians, such as Rainbow Pediatrics, may administer a dose of acetaminophen just before a child gets a vaccine; other doctors tell their patients to wait until the child feels feverish. Either way, keep a supply of acetaminophen at home in case it's needed. If your baby is very young (less than 6 months), ask your doctor about the recommended dosage. Remember to ask these questions before the vaccine is administered—once the shot has been given, your full attention will likely be on your child.

Keep a Clear Schedule

Schedule the doctor's appointment on a day when your child has nothing special scheduled and there's nothing important to do at home. This will allow you to take your child straight home after the doctor. If your child starts to feel sick or feverish, you can let him or her sleep or relax until he or she feels better.

Plan to Nurse Your Younger Baby

Babies find nursing very comforting, even if they're not hungry. Plan to nurse your baby after the vaccines are administered. Ask your child's doctor if you'll be allowed to have a few extra minutes in the exam room after the shot is given, so you can nurse your baby for a few minutes while he or she calms down. Once your baby has stopped crying, you may need to take him or her out to the waiting room and finish breastfeeding out there.

Practice Getting a Shot with Your Older Child

Older children can develop a fear of getting shots. Whereas babies won't see the shot coming, older children can get worked up in the days and weeks before the shot is given. To control your child's fear, role play getting a shot with your young child. Pretend to be the doctor, and administer the vaccine. Then, switch places and allow your child to give you a shot.

To make the experience more realistic, make your child's room look like the doctor's exam room. Allow your child to practice for the big moment several times, so he or she will feel prepared when the shots are finally given.

For more information about how you can make your child's vaccine experience more pleasant and less frightening, speak with your child's pediatrician before the vaccine is administered.

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