Immunization

Preparing for Your Visit

Going to the doctor for shots can be a trip that some children and their parents dread. There are steps you can take to help prepare your children for these visits, especially if they are old enough to understand the importance of vaccines. By preparing your child ahead of time, bringing the immunization record, and learning how to comfort your child during the visit, you have the power to make these visits go more smoothly.

 

Prepare Your Child

Use coloring books, DVDs, and Web sites to prepare your child for his visit to the doctor.

For children

• Every Child By Two Coloring Book (Exit Site)

• North Carolina Immunization Activity Book (Exit Site)

• Texas Department of State Health Services Online Coloring (Exit Site)

• VHS or DVD “Vaccines and Your Baby” and “Vaccines: Separating Facts from Fear” (Exit Site)

• The Adventure of Pepin and the Vaccines (Exit Site)

 

For teens

• PKIDS (Exit Site)

• Preteen Campaign Posters, Radio and Television PSAs (Exit Site)
  

 

Bring Your Child's Records

It is helpful to bring your child’s immunization record each time you go to the doctor’s office. If you cannot find the record, especially if you are going to a new doctor, here are some tips:

• CDC (Exit Site)

• Immunization Action Coalition (Exit Site)

Comfort Your Child

• Comfort your Child Before, During, and After Shots -California Department of Health (Exit Site)

• After the Shots- If Your Child Needs Comfort- Immunization Action Coalition (Exit Site)

• Lessening the Pain of Vaccines (PDF 150KB)

• How to Reduce Your Child's Pain from Immunization - Toronto Public Health (Exit Site)

 

Frankie's Story

Frankie Miley's only child Ryan died from meningitis when he was a teenager.

 

 

Last Updated: 4/16/2013