Share your tips on how you prepare your child for a flu vaccination with Public Health England - £300 voucher to be won! NOW CLOSED

[EllieMumsnet]

Flu season is fast approaching, which also means flu vaccinations have arrived. Getting a flu vaccination can be a daunting experience for anyone, especially for young children, click here to find out everything you need to know about the children's flu vaccination. Public Health England (PHE) want to know your tips on how you prepare your child to get vaccinated against flu.

Here’s what PHE have to say: “The nasal spray is a quick, easy and painless way to help prevent young children catching flu. Flu can be horrible for little children, and if they get it, they can spread it around the whole family. PHE encourages all parents of children who are eligible to get their children vaccinated. ”

Do you tell them in advance or wait until they get there? Perhaps you let them take their favourite toy to school to use as a distraction? Or do you plan a treat for afterwards so they have something to look forward to?

Whatever your tips, share them on the thread below to be entered into a prize draw where one lucky MNer will win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

I told my DD it would be fun and to see if she could have the spray without sneezing. Easiest vaccination ever!

It's never been a problem for us, we talked to our children and explained it all and they took it in their stride. No dramas at all luckily.

It's never been a problem for us. We talked to our children in advance and they took it all in their stride. No dramas luckily.

We said 'You're having a nasal flu spray on Wednesday'
She said 'OK'
Was really that simple

I explained it in plain terms giving them the science ( logic ) behind the injection but made it seem just a normal activity. Dont anticipate the pain or scariness and the child wont

i do explain whats going to happen because i would not want my children to lack trust in me.

I wait until we're there and I'm armed with treats and a toy!

I told my children in advance of the vaccine and we role played with teddies and their medical kits so they knew exactly what to expect, explained kind of easier due to dad having blocked sinuses and using a nasal spray the week before which was handy.

Mine knew early on as they brought the forms home from school, but since they are done at school, along with all their peers, they thankfully have been at ease with the idea from the start!

With injections, I take my kids to see me getting it done first. (This is also my principle with other things like the dentist etc). Then it is their turn. Afterwards I am very jolly hockey sticks- "lovely, now that is out of the way let's go and do ."

Dd2 was done at school. I signed the form, told her she would need to sniff something and that was about it. Fortunately she isn't the kind of kid to worry- she just goes along with the herd. Dd1 actually preferred an injection for some reason so I took her privately.

I encourage my little one in a bit of doctors and nurses role play I have a book which is about a little girl going for a injection and explain that it's important to keep them healthy while they are growing up bit of bribery goes a long way to success x
I also use Dr range of cbeebies I search the video to do with the reason they are going to visit doctors and makes my little one feel alot more comfortable and prepared

My little one is too young to understand yet, but gosh do i hate it !

my son hasn't had it yet, he knows that if it is to help or keep him healthy it's fine

We've never made a big deal out of it, I know most of us don't like jabs so the nasal spray is a breeze and we try to make light of the doctors so it is not to be feared, just like the dentist! :)

as a health professional, only say as much as you need to, only on the day and a reward is a good idea

I would tell beforehand and maybe even find a story....or make up a story about what was going to happen. I feel it is important to be honest but not to go over the top. Try to remain calm and give the reasons for having it.

My kids are always told that they are going to get it. They have had it from when they were younger, so they are used to it. I have never had a problem with them going for it. The same with injections.

I explained that the nurse will put a spray up her nostril to try and stop her getting unwell

I told my kids in advance but not in any great detail, just simply said when you get your flu vaccine at school they are going to squirt it up your nose, might feel strange but the benefits outweigh it by miles.
That was it, then sent them off on their way.

Absolutely tell them in advance! I would get the blame if I didn't! Definitely treats all round for afterwards :)

I always tell him so that he knows what to expect but only a short time before he is due to have it - long enough to give him a warning but not so long to worry about it.

Be Truthful and Supportive and don’t try to sugarcoat the flu shot! If you tell them they won’t feel a thing and it ends up hurting, they’re going to remember that! Also tell your child it’s okay to be nervous, but it will be over with soon (which is a true statement). Don’t get frustrated or angry with your child if they’re showing hesitation – this won’t help.

i always tell my child beforehand and explained all about vaccinations they are ok with it, my daughter is a little fidget when she has hers tough so i usually take a lollipop for her

I help with my local flu clinic and the reaction of children to the nasal vaccine varies hugely. We hand out sticky badges, set a relaxed atmosphere and get the children through quickly to reduce their stress but, wonderfully, some are as happy afterwards as they were when they came in!

I only mention it shortly before we leave for appointment & ensure Sparkle comes with us!