Immunizations - tips

spring_time

DS has to go today for his 4/5 year old immunizations.  There are four of them!  I actually can't believe they give that many at once.  I haven't told him yet, and am wondering if I should tell him before we go, or wait until we get to the office.  Any tips on making the whole experience less traumatic?

I have a feeling this is going to be karma for me.  The doctor and my mom once had to send a security guard to find me when I ran out of a doctor's office after hearing I was getting shots.  I don't expect DS to be any less dramatic.

I am really dreading this appointment and have been losing sleep over it because of my own anxiety.

LoveBeingMama

I have no great advice, but now I'm worried about our 4 year appointment next month. Could he suck on a lollipop during the shots? I remember reading somewhere that doing that does actually help.

spring_time

I know.  I am determined to not let my own anxiety show.  I didn't have any problems when he was a baby.  I don't know why this time is such a problem.  Probably because he is more aware, and I am concerned with getting him under control if he is anything like me when I was as a kid.  My dad had to start taking me because my mom wasn't strong enough.  This is all me projecting...

Anyway, I am more looking for things that have worked for others.  Somebody once told me to have them pretend to blow out candles on a birthday cake.  Any other suggestions?

raraavis28

I wouldn't mention it. Like Amy said, the buildup could be far worse than the actual shots. I'd just be as upbeat as possible about the apt, promise a treat afterwards if he's good and get him to look forward to that.

FWIW my guys just got 3 pokes the other day and they cried more for getting their heads measured than for the shots. :-p I know they're still babies and can't know beforehand that ut's coming, but I think "quick and nbd" is the best way to approach shots regardless. Good luck!

Spin313

Are you behind...? I think DS had one shot at four and now he's done for a few years (boosters at 8/9, I think).

Either way, don't project your anxiety onto your DC. It'll be over quickly. Bring a sucker or something special for afterwards.

spring_time

Spin313 said:

Are you behind...? I think DS had one shot at four and now he's done for a few years (boosters at 8/9, I think). Either way, don't project your anxiety onto your DC. It'll be over quickly. Bring a sucker or something special for afterwards.

No, I follow the regular schedule.  I was told it was four at this appointment and then he didn't need any until 11.  The doctor said the four are given at either the 4 year old or 5 year old appointment. She just prefers to do it earlier.

ariel06

My 5 year old has a lot more issues with shots than my 3 year old.  If he asks if he will be getting shots, I tell him the truth, but otherwise I won't bring it up ahead of time.  We've talked about the benefits of shots and why we get them.  Its generally not that big of a deal.

Cherryblossoms07

Spin313 said:

Are you behind...? I think DS had one shot at four and now he's done for a few years (boosters at 8/9, I think).

Either way, don't project your anxiety onto your DC. It'll be over quickly. Bring a sucker or something special for afterwards.

This. Your child will base their reaction off of yours. If you make a huge deal out of it, so will they.

peaceinnature

It sounds like this is bringing up your feelings from when you were a kid.  Just remember that your son is separate from you and his experience will always be at least slightly different from yours.  I always find myself worrying that DS will have a hard time with the things I didn't like when I was a kid, but if I just back off he usually does great.

Just don't make a big deal and acknowledge his feelings if he's feeling nervous before or sad after.

spring_time

veggiebabylove said:

It sounds like this is bringing up your feelings from when you were a kid.  Just remember that your son is separate from you and his experience will always be at least slightly different from yours.  I always find myself worrying that DS will have a hard time with the things I didn't like when I was a kid, but if I just back off he usually does great.

Just don't make a big deal and acknowledge his feelings if he's feeling nervous before or sad after.

Thank you! I am recognizing this is more about me than him.

Mrs.Hizzo

5 year shots totally suck. I told both my kids ahead of time, I didn't want to spring it on them. One of them freaked out and hid behind the exam table and we had to pull him out and hold him while they stuck him. The other one sat there calmly, looked down at his leg and said "Well, that wasn't so bad." I think it just depends on your child.

With my second, we spent some time talking about the horrible diseases that the shots prevent, and how much worse they are than a little poke in your leg. Not sure if that helped or not.

zbeesma86

I used to ask my mom before every doctor appointment if I had to get shots. I would dwell on it! I hated shots and needles so bad as a kid- and did all the way up until I had a baby.

Can DH go with you? I bring DH with me and he usually helps the nurse hold her legs or distract her while she gets her shots then after it's done and she's crying I console her and hug her and give her stickers!

No lie, I still get teary eyed when Z gets shots. I just hate hearing her hurt/sad/ouch cry.

irishgrl317

I tell my DS1 after the doctor walks out and before the nurse comes back in. Otherwise, he'd spend the whole appointment nervous. If he asks, though, I will tell him and stress that it will be over quickly and we'll get milkshakes after. He used to freak out for shots until he saw his little sister get her shots and not make a peep. He wants to be tough, so he holds it in now.

raraavis28

How did it go?

spring_time

We made it through!  I didn't tell him until the doctor left and before the nurse was coming in.  He said he didn't want any and I explained that they help keep him healthy.  I also promised an ice cream afterward.  He said, "I can do this"  When the time came, his confidence left, he started crying "Mommy make her stop" (broke my heart), cried for five minutes afterwards, and then we went for ice cream.  As always, the expectation is worse.

raraavis28

spring_time said:

We made it through!  I didn't tell him until the doctor left and before the nurse was coming in.  He said he didn't want any and I explained that they help keep him healthy.  I also promised an ice cream afterward.  He said, "I can do this"  When the time came, his confidence left, he started crying "Mommy make her stop" (broke my heart), cried for five minutes afterwards, and then we went for ice cream.  As always, the expectation is worse.

Sounds like it went as well as it could have.....and now it's over!