Ensuring that you and your family members are up-to-date on your routine vaccinations is an important part of staying healthy, especially during respiratory disease season. (Not sure if your vaccinations are current? You can find your immunization records online.)

But sometimes getting vaccinated is easier said than done – which you’ll know if you have small kids or if you or a family member are afraid of needles. Here are some tips and tricks to help make vaccination day a little easier on everyone.

Offer comfort
For young babies, it may help to offer skin-to-skin contact during the immunization. If possible, nursing or offering a sugar solution can help babies cope with pain. Older children might want to sit on your lap or hold your hand, cuddle a comfort object, or be distracted by a favourite book or video. People of all ages might appreciate using a numbing cream to reduce the pain associated with getting a needle – talk to your pharmacist about what they would recommend.

Be prepared
A little preparation goes a long way with kids. Setting the stage for a successful immunization appointment might include watching favourite TV characters get an immunization, reading a book about the experience, or even role-playing with family and friends. The more you talk about it, the more routine it seems, removing the stressful element of surprise. Here’s a video from the IWK that might help.

Stay calm
It’s important that parents and caregivers stay calm and positive when it’s time to get a vaccine. Stay aware of your facial expressions, tone of voice and the language you use – be neutral or positive, relaxed and realistic. Don’t tell them it won’t hurt; rather, tell them what to expect, like a little pinch or a poke. This helps kids trust that you’re telling them the truth.

Act to distract
Distraction can help reduce immunization-related distress and pain in kids under age 12. Bring a favourite toy, book or video to the appointment to help distract your child, and introduce the distraction before the needle. Since deep breathing can help with relaxation, consider bringing bubbles or a toy whirligig that your child can blow on.

Celebrate
When the immunization is over and the bandage is on, it’s time for a celebration. A high-five, a sticker, a trip to the park or even an ice cream cone – make sure you plan something to demonstrate how proud you are of your child’s bravery and to reinforce that getting a vaccine is a positive experience.

Read more
The IWK Health Comfort Promise Toolkit offers parents and caregivers a comprehensive set of recommendations for ways to increase their child’s comfort when receiving immunizations or undergoing other medical procedures. Everything from the language you use about the appointment, how the child sits during the appointment, and what you do afterward can affect how they experience the immunization and set you up for success next time.

Book an appointment today!
Seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available in Nova Scotia. It’s safe to receive them at the same time, and many places are offering both vaccines at once, for added convenience. If you haven’t already booked a time for yourself and your family, you can sign up online today. Good news for families – you can now book a slot for up to six people at the same time!

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