Advice for vaccine appointments

We want to help your child’s vaccination appointment to go as smoothly as possible.

Here are some hints and tips to help you.

Booking an appointment

When booking your child’s vaccine appointment, try and pick a time when they wouldn’t usually be having their sleep time. That way they are less likely to be tired or tearful at their appointment.
If you have questions or worries about your child’s vaccine, you can speak with your GP practice or midwife to make sure you have all the information you need.

We know mornings can be busy but take a moment to consider what you dress your child in that day. Babies under 12 months old have injections in the thigh so dressing your baby in clothes that are easy to remove can be helpful. If you are taking a toddler or a young child for their appointment, they will have their injection in their arm, so it can help to dress them in loose-fitting clothing or short sleeves.
About to leave the house? Remember to take your red book with you (personal child health record) where your child’s vaccination details will be recorded.
Give yourself plenty of time to get to your child’s appointment, so that both you and your child arrive feeling calm, without any added anxiety.

Feel free to talk to your GP or practice nurse about any worries or questions you may have. This may include concerns around ingredients or other vaccines your child might have missed.
If you are taking your baby (under 6 months) for their vaccine, giving them a cradling cuddle and letting them hear your voice can help keep your baby calm.
For babies between 6 to 12 months, a cuddle in an upright position works well. Having your baby’s favourite blanket may be comforting to them, as it will smell familiar.
For young children, hold your child on your knee as their vaccination is given or ask a member of the practice to help you with this if you are uneasy around injections.
For young children, try to explain very simply what is going to happen. An example of this might be, “You might feel a tiny scratch, but it will go away very fast.”
Feeling a little nervous yourself? This is really natural but if can, try to stay calm. This will help your child to feel less anxious.
It can help to distract your child, this might be with their favourite toy, or something they can watch on your phone or tablet.
Having their favourite snack on hand can also be a nice way to end their vaccine appointment.

After their vaccine appointment, your child may feel a bit unsettled and may cry a little, but a cuddle can help put them at ease.
Your child may feel a little irritable or have a high temperature for a couple of days after their vaccine. They may also have some redness or soreness in the area the injection was given. This should only last a few days.
If you have any concerns about your child following their vaccine, please speak to your GP or call NHS 111.