Tips for Taking Your Child for an H1N1 Immunization

Going for a needle may be frightening or difficult for your child. Here are some tips to help prepare your child for the H1N1 shot.

Before coming to the clinic with your child

• Tell your child about the procedure before. How much lead time depends on your child and their age. Some suggestions are:

  Toddlers: at the time of the procedure

  Preschoolers: a few hours before the procedure

  School-age: 1 - 3 days before the procedure

  Adolescents: 1 - 2 weeks before the procedure, or as soon as you find out about it

  Please keep in mind these are guidelines and you know your child best.

• Prepare yourself. If you feel calm and relaxed, your child will sense this and act the same way.
  
  
• Take a familiar toy, teddy bear or blanket that can provide comfort for your child.
  
  
• Reassure your child. Make sure your child knows going for a needle is not a punishment and that they did not do anything wrong.
  
  
• Tell the child they are getting the medicine to keep them healthy and safe. Explain the medicine must go into their arm because it is not the kind you can eat or drink.
  
  
• Be honest with your child that it may hurt.
  
  
• Use gentle and simple language that your child will understand without being scary. For example, "You may feel a quick pinch when they put the medicine in your arm. Afterwards, your arm may feel a little tired or sore."
  
  
• You may want to consider using an EMLA patch or topical cream. This is available over the counter (no prescription required) and basically numbs the skin so your child will feel less pain from the needle.
  
  
• If you are taking more than one child, have the child who is calmer go first as they will set an example for the younger or more fearful child.

How you can keep your child comfortable at H1N1 immunization clinics

• We recommend two people be present so one person can occupy and distract the child while another waits in line and completes the paperwork.
  
  
• To avoid the child waiting in line, have an adult stand in line and call the second person to bring the child when the wait will be shorter.
  
  
• In some areas the immunization area is open so waiting children can see and hear other children get their shot. It's important to distract the child and/or use this opportunity to answer their questions and ease their fears.

During the procedure

• During the procedure, try to find positions of comfort and support for your child to help them stay still, such as the "hug hold" - child sitting on your lap facing you or sideways while you restrain the child with a comforting hug.
  
  
• When possible, give your child choices, e.g. choosing which arm to have the needle in. Having some control helps. Give your child a time limit during which to make that choice. Other choice examples are: to look or look away; to sing a song or count while it is happening;
  
  
• Give your child the job of holding still during the procedure. If they have brought a stuffed animal, they can hold still with them.
  
  
• Offer distraction during the procedure, such as singing a song, blowing up an imaginary balloon, counting until it's over, etc. You could offer sensory distraction by rubbing the other arm during the procedure. The child can also "blow the pain away" after the procedure.

Prior to their H1N1 shot

It is recommended you bring some distractions to the H1N1 clinic to occupy your child while they are waiting:

• colouring sheets, mazes and individual crayons (to bring home as to control the spread of infection)
  
  
• word searches for older children
  
  
• snacks (such as cookies and/or juice - but please do not bring food that contains nuts)

After their H1N1 shot

Be sure to praise your child for being brave and getting their medicine in this special way. It is recommended you bring some Tylenol and a "treat" (such as a sticker or favourite snack) for after the shot.