Skip to main content

How do I make my child more comfortable during their vaccine visit?

Image
Common Questions-baby girl with doctor and parent

There are a few ways to help you and your child feel comfortable and confident during vaccination appointments. You can ask for a numbing ointment or spray to reduce pain, provide comfort after the shot, and plan an activity afterward. The tips below can help you and your child feel comfortable and confident during vaccination appointments.

Before an Appointment

For children ages 3–8

  • Talk to your child. Explain that vaccines help keep us healthy and they make our immune system strong like a superhero. Tell them what to expect in simple terms. For example, you can explain that they may feel a small pinch or sting. But it won't last long. Use words like “pressure” or “poke.” Avoid words like “pain” or “shot.”
  • Bring a comfort object, like your child's favorite toy, blanket, or book. This object can give your child additional comfort during the appointment.

During an Appointment

For babies and younger children

  • Distract your child. Take your child's attention away from the shot. Try to make them laugh and smile. Call their name, sing their favorite song, or play with a toy.
  • Ask for a sweet solution. Did you know tasting something sweet can help your child feel less pain? source: 1 Ask your child's doctor to give your child sugar, like a lollipop, before the shot. 
  • Hold your child, if you can. Holding your child can help to reduce their stress and make it easier to give the vaccination. 
  • Stay calm. Remain upbeat and relaxed as best you can. If your child sees you upset or anxious, they might start to feel that way too. 
  • If you can, breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding can help relax your baby by providing distraction and comforting contact.source: 1

For older children and adolescents

  • Talk to your child. Tell a story or find interesting things in the room to talk about.
  • Encourage deep breaths. If your child is older, have them take deep breaths and “blow out” the pain like they would blow out candles. This action engages their brain, so they don't notice the shot. (Bonus: Deep breaths can help you stay calm, too!)

For all children

  • Ask for a numbing ointment or spray to reduce pain. Some ointments block pain signals from the skin. The ointment takes time to work, so ask the doctor about it before the appointment. Or ask for a cooling spray (vapocoolant) on your child's arm or leg before the shot.source: 1
  • Provide comfort after the shot. Soothe young infants by swaddling them. For older children, give them a hug, cuddle, or high-five.
  • Plan an activity. Have something fun to look forward to afterward, like a trip to the park. It will give your child something else to focus on. Plus, it may make the next appointment less scary for them.

After an appointment

  • Help ease discomfort.source: 2,source: 3,source: 4,source: 5,source: 6
    • Non-aspirin pain relievers can help with mild side effects. Ask your doctor if it is okay to give this to your child after vaccination. Do not give pain relievers before vaccination.
    • Place a cool, wet cloth where your child got the vaccination. This helps to reduce redness, soreness, or swelling.
    • Encourage your child to drink liquids often.
    • After your child gets a shot, it's good to get them moving their arms and legs to reduce soreness.
Image
Common Questions-adolescent at doctor's office

Learn more about what to expect when you take your child to get vaccinated.

Still have questions? Talk to your child's doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. If you are concerned that your child may be having a reaction, call their doctor who can help manage your child's symptoms. You or your doctor can report the reaction to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.source: 4

Back to the common questions

More information

Still have questions? Talk to your child's doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Sources

  1. CDC: Make Shots Less Stressful
  2. CDC: Before, During, and After Shots
  3. MedlinePlus: Babies and Shots
  4. FDA: Vaccines Protect Children From Harmful Infectious Diseases
  5. Cleveland Clinic: How to Prevent Arm Pain after a Vaccine
  6. HHS: Get Vaccinated, What to Expect -- For Parents
Back to top
Content last reviewed on

Disclaimer Policy: Links with this icon () mean that you are leaving the HHS website.