Northern Light Pediatrics-Newsletter

Steps parents can take to reduce kids' fear of shots

An ordinary visit to the pediatrician can turn into a nightmare when a child finds out he or she will be getting a shot. But it doesn't have to be that way; parents can help minimize kids' anxiety about shots. Anticipation and planning are key to preventing your child from becoming distressed over injections, according to the Mayo Clinic. Once a child gets worried and scared, it's hard to calm him or her down. Caregivers, therefore, should take these proactive steps:

Tell the child beforehand that he or she will be receiving an injection during the visit to the doctor. Children who know they are going to get a shot generally do much better than children who do not have advance notice. Don't, however, give the child too much advance warning. Telling the child a week before the appointment will only her too much time to worry. It is best to tell your child on the day of the appointment or even on the way to the doctor's office.

Explain to your child how the shot will keep him healthy.
Remind you child that most injections go pretty quickly - most take only five to 10 seconds.
Be honest and say the shot probably will hurt. Then compare the pain to that of a pin prick or mosquito bite.
While in the waiting room, create a distraction for your child by reading together, playing with toys, or talking.
Immediately before the injection, ask your child to take deep breaths and blow, whistle, or count to five.
After the shot, give your child positive reinforcement, letting him know he did a good job. Consider giving a special reward for good behavior.

This likely will not be your child's last shot, so prepare her for next time by asking, "Did that hurt as much as you thought it would?" Most often, your child will say no. When it comes time for the next shot, remind your child how the previous shot was not so terrible after all.

-Jeff Stone
2004 American Academy of Pediatrics