How to Prepare Your Child for Their Flu Shot

Parenting Tips for Keeping Your Little One Safe and Healthy!

It’s that time of year again—sniffles and colds are going around, as well as more intense sicknesses like the flu. It can be a little scary when you have a little one; you just want them to be well! However, it’s very easy to take steps to ensure your little one’s health is being protected. So long as you are prepared, cold and flu season will be more likely to go by without a problem!

The most important parenting tips to know before you take any steps may seem like a given, but are important for when you schedule your little one’s shot: when flu season actually hits! Because flu cases tends to peak the most in three months, it can feel as if the season drags on. Generally, a majority of flu cases are detected in February, December and March. When you view that chronologically, that’s almost four months straight—and flu season technically begins in November and ends in April. It’s a long time to be susceptible, and what’s frustrating is that the flu changes on a yearly basis, meaning that even if you got the shot last year, you will certainly need a new one. 

Some people wonder if it is really necessary for their little one to get the flu shot. Though it’s understandable to be very careful with your little one’s health and wellness, scientists confirm that it is absolutely safe for your little one to get the flu shot. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend the flu shot for little ones aged six months and older in order to ensure their health! Clinics have many measures in place to make sure that your little one will not get sick during their visit, too. It is true that a healthy little one will bounce back faster from illness than adults, but because of the frequency of sickness spreading at places like daycare, it can be difficult on families if your little one is sick very often. 

So the time has come to get your little one their flu shot! We understand it can be stressful for you. Many little ones are frightened of needles or may be very anxious when visiting doctor’s offices, but never fear! Both clinic staff and you can help prepare your child as best as possible for that moment. The best advice is actually very simple: be honest with your little one. Nobody likes to be caught off guard or surprised unpleasantly, and your little one is likely the same. Before you go for the appointment, it really helps to be straightforward and tell your little one that this visit will include a shot. It may not alleviate their fears completely, but similar to “previewing,” it can help them understand what to expect. Nurses are generally trained and equipped with many different helpful distractions for your little one when the time comes to get the shot, and you can be, too! Holding their hand and talking to them is a wonderful distraction; if their focus is on you, the anticipation of the pinch will not be so unbearable. Treats for appointments aren’t always recommended, but an incentive can sometimes be helpful–even if it is something as little as a sticker or a promise to play with their favorite toys when you get home. 

Though there is not a 100% guarantee that getting the flu shot will prevent your little one from getting sick, it is a hugely helpful step that you can take to ensure their safety! You can also encourage good hygiene practices to promote better wellness as well as consideration for others, such as avid hand washing and covering their cough. Before you know it, flu season will be over!

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