4 year old booster shots

Carol - posted on 04/04/2012

Shots put the fear of God in me until I was twelve or so - that along with throat cultures, which still do.



First, I'd try to explain the difference between an IV and a regular "shot." Even if you've done it before, reinforce it briefly and with lots of love. A young child may not really understand it because when there's fear, they don't "hear" what we say to them. BUT, kids learn from doing what they fear, and that is an unfortunate part of life. But doing it with apprehension or a level of fear is what makes them grow. Then, after all that worry, taking a long deep breath and realizing it wasn't the end of the world is a pretty good feeling.



My parents would drop it on us from nowhere and announce that we were going to get shots, right then and there, be it flu, polio (yes, I'm that old), DPT or anything else, and I hated it, and the way they went about doing it. I would have stewed alot if I knew ahead of time that later in the day, or week I'd have to go get a shot, but it was kind of an insult to have it hidden from me until it was on top if me - for what it's worth.

Nikki - posted on 09/29/2011

Kaden recieved a flu shot this year and needs to go back for a booster in a month. He smiled and laughed after and during his shot... I think I have one tough cookie on my hands!! :)

Jeanne - posted on 10/13/2010

We got our daughter's titers results today (blood work). She has antibodies to all of her 4 year boosters and has even MUCH MORE than she needs, so even though she is 5 and is overdue there is NO WAY I am going to have her immunized for something she does not need.

Iridescent - posted on 04/03/2010

We do them all together when we can, as if you spread them out, the child will KNOW at EVERY doctor appointment they will get a shot, which it totally unnecessary in most cases and emotional abuse in my opinion.

We tell the kids they have a doctors appointment a couple days in advance. The older ones know well in advance because they can read the schedule. If they ask about shots, I don't lie. It doesn't change things.

Kim - posted on 04/03/2010

My son had to have 4 shots at his 4yr check up too. I found that my son would be extremely anxious the entire day of his doctors appt. if I even mentioned the word "shot". I just didn't mention it until the nurses came in to administer the shots. They asked me to sit on the exam with my son in my lap (facing me) and straddling (sp?) me, they had me cross him arms in front of him and I held his arms by the forearm. The nurses counted to three and gave the shots in each arm simultaneously...and then did it again! Ouch!! He didn't love it, but it seemed to work the way they had him sit facing me...he couldn't see the shots and couldn't kick the nurses (or me) . Of course I let him have a 4 pieces of his favorite candy afterwards...and a milkshake! Like Katherine said...just be calm yourself, and matter of fact about it. Kids can pick up on our anxiety too!! Good luck and hope this helps!

Nicole - posted on 04/03/2010

I never do more than one at a visit. I will go back. I also had my children's titers (I am not sure that the correct spelling) checked for measles so I did not have to give that one again bc they were positive for the antibodies. It is never easy and I always tell my oldest bc she is phobic of it. I explain to her we need to do it and I have to hold her. We go for ice cream afterwards. Good luck!

Katherine - posted on 04/03/2010

I have to restrain mine too. I just don't react. Like we're ordering food or something. At the end she told the doctor since she had four shots, she was getting four suckers. LOL She got them. I find that if you don't wince, or say it's ok until it's all done it's soooo much better. Just MO :) Shots are never fun :(