How to make shots less scary
Whether you choose to have your son or daughter receive the flu vaccine is your decision of course. But if you do decide in favor of the shot, consider the following ideas that may help your child’s experience. This is particularly important, I think, for special needs children.
From the Seattle Times:
Don't lie. Prepare your child for the fact that a shot will hurt, but that the pain is likely to go away quickly.
Act low-key. Talking about shots long before an appointment, constantly reassuring kids and apologizing for pain can make them more anxious.
Use different words. For some kids, the word "shot" is scary in itself. Try "vaccination" — or your own made-up word.
Distract them. Read a book out loud, talk about a movie you just saw, take deep breaths together or point out cool pictures in the doctor's office. Blowing on a pinwheel is a favorite tactic of some pediatricians.
Take a comfort item. Younger kids might like to hold a favorite stuffed animal or blanket.
Look away. A child who stares at an approaching needle or hears a countdown before a shot is more likely to tense up, which could make the process more painful.
Ask about pain relief. If a child is extremely anxious, see if a doctor has numbing gel, cream or spray that could help.
Ask about FluMist. Depending on age and availability, kids may be able to get a nasal spray vaccine instead of a traditional shot.
Make post-shot plans. Have your child help you decide on something fun to do — a trip to a playground, maybe, or a sweet treat — after the doctor's appointment.
