How do you prepare your children for vaccinations?

[LeMarshmallow]

I was extremely phobic as a child (though fine now) and I'm determined that my children won't suffer like I did. So what do you think the best way to prepare them for a vaccination is? I don't want to just turn up and spring it on them but I don't want to overegg it beforehand either. I'm looking at a 3 year old but am interested in responses for all ages. Thank you!

you could try reading them a book similar to this, which introduces vaccinations in a positive way. tell them that they are going to get a vaccination like the little boy in the book, and afterwards they can get some stickers and/or a treat. talk to them about the treat while they are getting the vaccination, and if they enjoy the story you could bring that into the doctors room too to show them if they get teary/upset. all the best x

I told him he needed to have some medicine to stop him getting poorly and then bought chocolate to stuff in his mouth immediately the needle went in.
He had all the childhood jabs plus I paid for varicella and Men B.

For the preschool vaccinations I explained maybe the day before that they needed to have them to stop them becoming very poorly. That it may hurt a little bit but I will be there and it won't sting for long.
We went to get a little toy after.
The practice nurse has always been great and has stickers.
We also watched doctor ranj (as much as I think he's smug it was helpful)

I told my daughter that it was special medicine to make her arms strong like a superhero. Take some chocolate buttons for a distraction immediately afterwards. I also promised a treat if she was good and let the nurse do it, as it would hurt. Explain the pain is over very quickly.

Dr ranj

I told mine they were going to have an injection that would stop them getting really poorly.
When they asked if it would hurt I said yes, but only briefly and it's worth it to not get really sick later on.
They were fine.

I don't really. Occasionally when they were younger id promise them a treat for after like an ice cream cone.

I explained that white blood cells were like knights with swords. They need the correct sword for each 'bug'. The vaccination gave the knights more swords to protect you from bugs.

Just to add - I think it helps if you are just matter of fact about it. Don't build it up or dwell on it, and don't show anxiety yourself.
Just one of those things that has to be done.
Don't say they are being silly though if they are anxious, acknowledge it and let them know it's fine but that they still need to have the jab.

Oh this is such great advice, thank you.

I’m a practice nurse. I’ve given thousands of vaccinations and parents that are calm and matter of fact about it tend to have children that are calm and matter of fact about it.

Tell them either the day before or that morning that you need to see the nurse, she’s going to give you medicine in your arm muscles that will stop you getting poorly when you go to big school. It will sting a little, but afterwards we’ll have a treat. Then bring chocolate buttons or whatever, or plan to go to the shop afterwards and choose a treat.

We give sticker and a certificate and make a fuss. We don’t lie and say “this won't hurt” because it does. We say it will scratch but then it’s all done.

My 3yo had seen his sister have her new born vaccinations and he assumed she was going to get some more when we went for his.... My bad....

That's so helpful @Sidge, thank you

@StrongerThanIThought76