Reminder: Get Your Child Vaccinated Against the Flu by the End of October
If you’ve been putting off your child’s flu shot, don’t wait too long. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends vaccinations against influenza for children from 6 months of age or older before the end of October . Now it’s time to head to the doctor’s office or find the nearest vaccination location on this handy map .
Like last year, injections are the main option – both the AAP and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discourage the use of FluMist, a nasal spray flu vaccine, despite its popularity among those who hate needles (i.e. e. children).
For parents of children who are petrified with pain, here are a few things you can do to help manage it:
Prepare them. Say, “You will feel pinched, but only for a few seconds.”
Let them take a deep breath. Some pediatricians tell children to pretend they are blowing out birthday candles. Sometimes parents bring bubbles to their children when the time comes.
Let them watch the show. One study by the University of Georgia found that children suffered less stress when nurses played cartoons during immunizations.
Use local anesthetics. Over-the-counter creams and sprays that numb the skin can reduce the bite. Just make sure you give it time to take effect (as instructed in the instructions).
Don’t overdo it with reassurances. Research has shown that too many verbal reassurances cause more anxiety . (The tense repetition of “You’re okay, you’re okay, you’re okay, you’re okay, you’re okay” is n’t soothing.)
For infants, local anesthetics, skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, or using a nipple before, during, and after the injection may be effective. The “ Shouldn’t Hurt ” social media campaign contains more evidence-based information on how to help children cope better with pain.