Prevent and Treat Illness

Immunizations: Why Are They Needed and How Do I Prepare My Child?

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Why does my child need immunizations?

Mom and Baby smiling

Immunizations (vaccines) prevent diseases that can make children very sick, cause lifelong disabilities and even death. They prevent diseases by helping the body resist them. This helps your child stay well. Vaccines have saved millions of lives.

Immunizations also protect others. When more people have been given vaccines, diseases that can be prevented by vaccines cannot spread as much. This protects babies who are too young to get vaccines, people who are too old to get vaccines, and those with weaker immune systems or certain medical conditions who cannot get vaccines.

Some vaccines have been so good at preventing diseases that people no longer think those diseases are a concern. Often these diseases are still common in other parts of the world and can travel to the United States when people visit other places and return home. When not enough people are vaccinated against these diseases, they begin to spread. Diseases that were once wiped out in the United States can come back, causing illness and death that could be prevented.

Some parents are unsure about whether to give their child immunizations. If you have questions or concerns after reading this, talk with your child’s healthcare provider or visit the resources below. There is a lot of misinformation about vaccines, so it's best to use your child's healthcare team for advice.

Are vaccines safe?

Yes. Vaccines are very well tested before they can be used. Vaccines continue to be closely studied even after they are approved for use. They're carefully monitored to see that they continue to be safe and effective.

Some children may have minor reactions to shots. These can include a mild fever or soreness where the shot is given. Serious reactions are rare. Your doctor or nurse can give you information on the benefits and risks of vaccines. The important thing to know is that getting the disease is almost always much more harmful than getting the shot.

When should my child be immunized?

The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended after birth. Most other shots are given starting when your baby is 2 months old. Your child may get vaccines as part of well-child checkups or during other healthcare visits. Vaccines may be given even if your child has a mild illness, including low-grade fever or when they are taking antibiotics. They can receive vaccines even if they’ve recently had or will soon have anesthesia, surgery or a hospital stay. Ask you child’s doctor if you have any questions.

For the best protection, start the shots on time and complete each series. The immunization schedules for children and teens are updated each year. It is best to follow the schedules from the American Academy of Pediatrics. There is one for 0-to-6- year-olds and one for 7-to-18-year-olds.

A child who has never been immunized or who has missed some shots can still catch up. Talk to your child’s doctor or clinic.

Keep a copy of your child’s vaccine record. When your child starts child care, school or camp, you’ll need to have a record of their immunizations. You can track your child’s immunizations through MyIR Mobile. If you want to keep your own written record, you can call the Help Me Grow Washington Hotline at 800-322-2588 to get a free Washington State Lifetime Immunization Record Card.

How can I help my child prepare for immunizations?

A little preparation can help you feel more confident and relaxed, which in turn helps your child. For instance, you may want to ask another family member or a close friend to come with you and your child to the visit. Also, always tell your healthcare provider if you or your child are worried or anxious about needles or pain. Together, you can make a plan to help your child feel the most comfortable.

Tips for Helping Your Child Feel Safe and Secure During Shots

Babies

It is often helpful to breastfeed/chestfeed during and after the shot. If you are not breastfeeding/chestfeeding, ask about giving your baby oral sucrose instead.
Cradle your baby to comfort them.
Keep your baby’s hands secure with a big hug so they can’t reach out and grab the needle.
Talk to your baby right before, during and after the shot.
Distract them with a favorite toy, and continue to comfort them with cuddles and hugs after the shot.

Toddlers and preschoolers

Ask about over-the-counter or prescription skin numbing cream to use before the shot. You may consider purchasing and bringing along a product that uses distraction or cooling to help with pain and fear from pokes.
In a calm voice, tell your child what will happen just before the shot is given. Be honest. Say it may feel like a pinch, but it will be over quickly.
If you feel your child won’t be able to sit still on their own, a comfort hold is the way to go. You can place them on your lap facing you, facing away or sitting sideways. Give a big hug so their arms and legs are secure and the shot can be given safely.
Your child may want to act out giving a shot to a doll or teddy bear.
Try to distract your child during the shot with a favorite toy, picture or book. When it is over, give praise and comfort.
From age 4 and up, try teaching your child to “blow away” shot pain. Teach them to take a deep breath and blow, just like blowing bubbles, during the shot.

School-age kids, pre-teens and teens

Ask about over-the-counter or prescription skin numbing cream to use before the shot. You may consider purchasing and bringing along a product that uses distraction or cooling to help with pain and fear from pokes.
Tell your child what is going to happen and that the shot helps to keep them safe and healthy. Avoid saying “it won’t hurt” or that it’s not OK to cry. Let your child experience and express what is true for them.
Give your child some control by offering choices when possible – for example, where they would like to sit, or which arm will get the shot.
While the power of choice is important, sometimes kids can’t sit still without support. It is up to you to decide if a comfort hold would be helpful. They can sit on your lap facing you, facing away or sitting sideways. Give a big hug so their arms and legs are secure and the shot can be given safely.
Some kids cope best with distraction, like reading a book or singing a song. Other kids cope best by being more actively involved, and it can help if you tell them what they will see, hear and smell, and give them a job like holding the Band-Aid.
Sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes after a vaccination can help prevent fainting, which is more common after shots for pre-teens and teens.
Comment on their successes. For example, praise your child for holding their arm still. This can build their confidence.

Side by side pictures demonstrating comfort positions caregivers can use when their children get an immunization, each with its corresponding position name in text below the image.