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Nurse's Tips for Parents 
Make every immunization visit count Get the most out of each checkup. Make a list of questions to bring with you. Questions you may want to ask: - What diseases will these immunizations prevent?
- How will my child feel after the immunization? What can I do to help my child?
- Which immunizations will my child have at the next visit?
- How can I reduce the number of immunizations my child gets each visit?
Keep track of your child's immunizations Children have 20 or more immunizations before age 2 to prevent 11 serious and sometimes deadly diseases. Here are ways to make sure your child gets them all: - Ask your healthcare professional to give you an immunization card for your child
- Also ask your healthcare professional to add all immunizations your child receives
- Bring the immunization card with you to every visit
Make immunizations less painful for both you and your child According to a new study, most parents feel distress when watching their child get immunized. Here are some quick tips for a less painful immunization visit: - Know that it's o.k. if you get anxious
- Try to stay calm for your child
- Hold and talk to your child during the immunization
- Make funny faces or use a favorite toy to distract your child
- Apply a cold cloth if the immunization site is red; apply heat if it is sore but not red
- Breastfeed your infant or give a bottle after the immunization
- Ask your healthcare professional about possible after effects from the immunization and how to minimize them
- Ask your healthcare professional about combination vaccines (immunizations that protect against two or more diseases in a single immunization), which can reduce the number of immunizations your child gets
For more information - Talk to your healthcare professional
- Log on to:
- Call the National Immunization Information Hotline at 1-800-232-2522
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