Getting ready, aftercare and top tips

FEELING READY

It’s completely natural that children might feel anxious about having their vaccines; if they don’t know what to expect they might imagine lots of fears that won’t really happen. According to our experienced nurses, you can reassure your child about some of their worries:

The injection is not like a blood test, it’s easier and much quicker
It feels like a pinch or a cat scratch
The needles are not huge - just long enough to get the the right place!
It’s much quicker than having a piercing or a tattoo
The needle cannot break off in your arm
Your arm will not fall off
You will not get the disease
The vaccine protects you, it doesn’t harm you.

AFTERCARE

Your child will be advised to continue with their normal activities and to move their arm regularly after their injection. This will help to avoid the arm feeling stiff.
It is very common to experience mild side effects such as redness, pain and swelling at the injection site. Paracetamol can be taken if needed.
Parents will receive an email notification after the vaccination, giving information about the vaccine given and specific side effects.
If parents have any concerns, they can contact the team below. Out of hours, advice should be sought from 111 or their GP.

TOP TIPS

Your child might be calm and confident about having the vaccine, but there are still some things you can do so they are prepared.
It helps to talk to your child about why they are having the vaccine. You could explain that it is a few seconds only of discomfort and protects them from diseases that could make them very unwell.
If you can, make sure your child wears short sleeves on the day as this makes it much easier and quicker and, your child won’t have to undo or take their shirt off. If not, encourage them to wear a vest under their school shirt.
Check your child has breakfast before school as being anxious burns more calories and this can make them have a headache after they’ve had the injection.
Talk to your child about not listening to rumours and scary stories to do with having the vaccine. If you have anything that you are or child are about worried about, you can call the school immunisation team.
If your child is anxious they could practise deep breathing to help them relax, they can use an app like Headspace or just count to 10 breathing in through their nose and out through their mouth.
The nurse will support your child and chat to them about the what they’re doing.
Suggest that your child flicks the front of their hand as hard as possible – the sensation and length of time it lasts are similar to having an injection.