What can you do before the vaccination?

Explain calmly

You can prepare your child by calmly explaining what is going to happen. For example, you could say: "You are going to be given some medicine in your arm or leg. It will help you to stay healthy."

Avoid using the word 'pain'

Be honest about what it will feel like, but it’s better not to use the word 'pain'. You could say, for example:
"I don't know what it will feel like for you. Some children don’t feel anything, others feel some pressure, or don't like the way it feels. Will you tell me what it feels like for you?"

Let them choose

If possible, give your child a few choices. Being able to choose for themselves gives your child a sense of control and makes feel them less scared. Your child could choose, for example:

• where they want to sit (on your lap or on a chair);
• which of their toys they want to hold;
• which video they want to watch.

Talk about other things

Once you have talked about it all, it's a good idea to talk about other things. Talk about fun things, make jokes or sing a song. This will help your child to feel calmer when they attend the appointment.

Patches and creams that numb the skin

A vaccination can feel sore. Patches and creams that numb the skin are available. You can buy these at pharmacies or drugstores. Before the appointment, consult with the well-baby clinic or youth health care centre about where on the body the vaccination will be given. Put the patch or cream on the skin where the vaccination will be given, at least one hour before the appointment.

Devices that reduce the pain

There are also devices that can reduce pain during vaccination. These devices stimulate the nerves, so that pain is less strongly felt. One example is the ShotBlocker. Not every organisation has these devices available. You can sometimes buy them yourself. Always discuss the use of such devices with the well-baby clinic or youth health care centre.

Information for young people

If your child is a teenager, they can find information for themselves on Jouw GGD.

What can you do during the vaccination?

Stay calm

Try to stay calm yourself. This will help your child. Try to breathe calmly and talk in a calm voice. If you think you might find this difficult, please talk to the care provider beforehand. They can help you.

On your lap

Let your baby or young child sit on your lap while they are vaccinated. Skin-to-skin contact can help. Calmly hold the arm or leg steady, but do not grip the child too firmly.

Distraction helps

Distraction helps to take your child's mind off the vaccination. You can distract your child by talking, singing a song, playing a game, giving them a toy or showing them a video. For young children, breastfeeding or bottle-feeding can help. Sucking on a dummy, finger or cloth, for example, can also help.

Group vaccination or individual appointment

Sometimes, there are group vaccinations where many children are vaccinated at the same time. The staff will try to take every child into account. If you think your child needs extra peace and quiet or attention, please contact the well-baby clinic or the youth health care centre to make an individual appointment.

The CARD method

The tips above are also reflected in the CARD method. This method makes sure your child has a pleasant vaccination experience by way of: 

• Comfort: make sure your child is wearing comfortable clothes and is in a good position (sitting or lying down).
• Ask: give your child the opportunity to ask questions. Help your child if they are afraid to ask a question.
• Relax: use calm, positive words and help your child to breathe calmly.
• Distract: distract your child with a chat, music or a video on your phone.

Compliment your child

After the vaccination, your child may be upset. Hug and comfort your child. Don't say sorry for the vaccination, since this can actually make things more negative. It's better to give a compliment, for example: "I could see you were worried. Well done for sitting still so nicely!"

Evaluation

Talk to your child about what went well and what could be improved next time. This can help with future vaccinations.

More information

For more information, see also: Leaflet on useful language – PROSA Network.