A better immunization experience for your child

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HealthLink BC File number
50e
Child immunization series
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Your child’s immunizations may cause them some discomfort or pain. This can lead to anxiety and stress for both you and your child. You can have a more positive immunization experience by preparing your child and comforting them during the appointment.

How can I prepare my child before the appointment?

All ages

Children are very aware of the emotions of their caregivers. Stay calm during the appointment and when talking about immunization with your child. Use a realistic, supportive approach.

Toddlers and young children

In general, you should tell toddlers and pre-school age children over 2 years of age about their immunizations shortly before the appointment.

School age children

One day of advance preparation is enough for most school age children. Older children may need more time, depending on how they cope.

When you discuss the appointment with your child:

DO:

  • Stay calm and speak in a gentle tone
  • Answer questions honestly and use words that lessen anxiety. For example, “You may feel pressure, squeezing or poking.” Do not use words such as “pain, hurt or sting”
  • Say, “You need the vaccine to stay healthy. The vaccine will be put in your arm with a needle. You will feel a quick poke.”

DO NOT:

  • Use words that focus their attention on the needle, such as “It will be over soon and you will be okay.”
  • Give false reassurance, such as “It won’t hurt.”
  • For example, “I am really sorry you have to go through this.”

Consider using numbing creams and patches

Numbing products ease the feeling of pain by blocking pain receptors in the skin. You can buy them at most pharmacies without a prescription. These products need to be applied before your child’s appointment. For more information on the use of numbing creams and patches, visit HealthLinkBC File #50h Numbing creams and patches for immunizations.

How can I comfort my child at the appointment?

All ages

  • Comforting restraint: Cuddle your baby or child firmly in your lap in a seated position. This keeps them still during their immunization and helps them feel calm and secure. Ask your health care provider for examples of how to hold your child
  • Distraction: Use bubbles, a pinwheel or other toys to distract your child immediately before and during their immunization. Talk to older children about something they are interested in, or have them read a book, listen to music or play a video game

Babies

  • Breastfed or chestfed babies: Nurse your baby before, during, and after their immunizations. This comforts and distracts your baby. Human milk also contains natural calming substances. This will not cause your baby to associate breastfeeding or chestfeeding with pain
  • Formula fed babies: If your baby is 24 months of age or younger, you can give them a sucrose solution immediately before their immunizations. This will release natural pain-reducing chemicals in their brain. You can prepare a sucrose solution at home and bring it to your child’s appointment. Health Canada recommends sterilizing all water given to infants.

To prepare the sucrose solution:

  1. Bring cold tap water to a rolling boil for at least 2 minutes
  2. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of sugar in 10 ml (2 teaspoons) of the boiled water in a sterile sealable container
  3. Store the sucrose solution in the refrigerator until your child’s appointment. The solution should be used within 24 hours

At the appointment, give your baby 2 ml of the solution, using a cup, spoon or syringe, 1-2 minutes before the immunization. Discard the unused portion. Do not use sugar at home to calm upset or crying babies.

If your baby is getting the rotavirus vaccine you do not need to prepare a sucrose solution. The rotavirus vaccine, which is given by mouth, contains a similar amount of sucrose as a sucrose solution. Studies have shown that the rotavirus vaccine can reduce the pain from vaccine injections.

Children 3 years of age and older

  • Deep breathing: Have your child focus on blowing out during the vaccine injection. Deep breathing is distracting and makes the body relax. Ask your child to:
    • Blow bubbles
    • Blow out a pretend candle
    • Blow a pinwheel or party blower

Using these techniques can teach your child skills for coping with scary or difficult situations.

For more information

For more information about childhood immunization, please visit: