A visit to the doctor is not the most exciting place for a child to visit; for that matter not even for an adult. Infants are not able to differentiate where they are going and will therefore be much easier to administer the vaccines. But as they grow a little older they may be fussy and not want to go to the doctor for their vaccinations as they would remember only the pain they undergo and nothing pleasant about this visit. They may even have butterflies in their stomach and refuse to go to the doctor. Some of the doctors certainly do not make the situation easier with their adverse bed side manners.
There are some clinics which are more inviting than the others with a display of childlike environment, toys and games to make the children forget what they have come for. Alternatively, take a toy to keep your child occupied. You may find the doctor also warm and friendly and yet the child might still be nervous even though to a lesser degree.
It is therefore better to talk to your children about vaccinations in a language suitable to a child and having said that, it should also be complemented with a kind and patient doctor who will make the child feel comfortable.
Explain to the child that the visit to the doctor is to make the child stronger so that the child can fight with the germs that is trying to make her/him ill. May be you could show them a visual with germs and antibodies fighting against each other and how the antibodies kill the germs. Use a little picture to show the children who have suffered adverse effects as a consequence of some of the preventable sicknesses. A visual may stick in their minds better than words. Tell your child how strong he is and that he can fight all the germs that wants to attack him. A child is fearful of the injection. Make the child think it is just a little pinch. A child’s mind has to be prepared for this visit. Let the child talk about the impending visit to the doctor with others. You could perhaps initiate the conversation by saying that the child is going to the doctor’s to become strong and let your voice sound as if it is an exciting place to go to. Do not let the child’s mind idle with thoughts of fear when at the clinic. Keep him occupied until you see the nurse or doctor who is administering the vaccines.
May be plan for an outing or lunch at a favorite place of your child after the visit to the doctor. This will make the child focus more on the appointment after the vaccinations rather than the doctor’s visit itself.
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