National Immunization Awareness Month in August is the perfect time to remind parents how to make shots less stressful for kids and for parents. The Peoria City/County Health Department’s Infectious Disease Director, Jean Bellisario shares tips to help relieve the stress that comes with vaccination.

“Vaccines are important to help protect babies and young children against 14 serious diseases. So, even though you are keeping them safe from disease, it’s hard to see your child cry when they get their shots. But you can take some steps before, during, and after a vaccine visit to ease the pain and stress of getting shots.”

• Pack a favorite toy, blanket, or other comfort item.
• Make eye contact with your child and smile, talk softly, or sing.
• Hold your child tightly on your lap, if you can.
• For older children, be honest—shots can pinch or sting, but not for long. Remind them that shots help keep them healthy.
• Take deep breaths with an older child to help “blow out” the pain.
• After the shot, hug, cuddle and praise your child.
• Use a soothing voice to help tell them everything is ok.

“Read the Vaccine Information Sheets from your healthcare provider so you know what to expect after the shots,” said Bellisario. “Some children may have mild reactions such as pain or swelling where a shot was given, or even a slight rash, or a fever. These reactions are normal and will go away soon.”

Bellisario has other tips for after care, “If you notice redness, soreness, or swelling from the vaccination area, place a clean, cool washcloth on the area. If your child runs a fever, try a cool sponge bath. You can also use a non-aspirin pain reliever if your doctor says it’s OK.  Make sure your child gets plenty to drink. If you’re worried about anything, call your healthcare provider.”

“Shots can be stressful,” said Bellisario, “for kids and for parents. You can ease your own discomfort by knowing that vaccination is safe and is the best way to protect your child against dangerous vaccine-preventable diseases.”

Learn more about childhood vaccines and other important Public Health issues, by visiting the Peoria City/County Health Department website at www.pcchd.org.