[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16.0″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Vaccinations are important for maintaining good health at every age, but more so for young children. If your child\/children have missed recommended vaccinations over the past few years, now is the time to bring their immunizations up to date. Not just for COVID-19, but also to protect against the flu, measles, whooping cough and other highly contagious diseases.<\/p>\n
Getting vaccination shots can be stressful for children and parents, especially for young children old enough to remember a previous shot. Fortunately, there are many ways to minimize vaccination stress and the discomfort and anxiety a child experiences. It is especially important for parents\/caregivers to understand their role in helping decrease any fear of shots associated with child vaccinations.<\/p>\n
The information in this blog provides vaccination tips and will help reduce the stress of a vaccination visit by presenting ways to prepare, comfort, and make shots easier for children, parents, and providers.<\/p>\n
Knowing what to expect can reduce your stress as the parent\/caregiver and your child\u2019s fear of shots. The first step is to learn about the type of vaccines your child needs and their benefits and risks. Your pediatrician can provide materials that cover these and other important vaccination information.<\/p>\n
Next, compile a list of vaccines your child may need. The Child and Adolescent Vaccine Assessment Tool<\/a> on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website will help you identify the right vaccines based on your child\u2019s age, health, and other factors. CDC Vaccine Information Statements<\/a> also provide useful information. Be sure to bring your child\u2019s immunization record to the vaccination appointment so the doctor knows which shots have already been received.<\/p>\n When your children are old enough, have an honest talk with them about why it\u2019s important to get vaccinated. Let them know the shot can pinch or sting but it won\u2019t hurt for very long. Avoid telling stories that can arouse fear of shots, such as recalling how scared you were as a kid. Older siblings can help reduce vaccination anxiety by saying their shots weren\u2019t difficult.<\/p>\n \u201cWe encourage parents or caregivers to present information about vaccines to their kids as a good thing that is really important for their overall health,\u201d says TrueCare\u2019s Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Meara Henley, DNP<\/a>.<\/p>\n A parent or caregiver\u2019s role is to support the child and make them feel comfortable during the vaccination. For babies and younger children, cuddling, singing, or talking softly can help them relax and feel comfortable. Smiling and making plenty of eye contact reassures your child that everything will be okay. A book, toy, blanket, or other favorite object can also provide comfort.<\/p>\n With older children, distract them from worrying about the upcoming shot by talking about interesting things in the room. Telling or reading stories can also focus their attention on something other than the shot.<\/p>\n If your child cries before or during the shot, be supportive. Have them take deep breaths with you to help minimize the pain, and never criticize or berate your child for not being brave.<\/p>\n Your role as comforter doesn\u2019t end after the shot. This is the time to hold and cuddle your child while being extra supportive. Swaddling, skin-to-skin contact, and breastfeeding are good ways to soothe babies. For children older than 6 months, a sweet beverage can have a calming effect. Giving praise and hugs in a calm, gentle voice reassures your child that everything is okay.<\/p>\n Some patients may experience a fainting sensation immediately after the shot or several minutes later. To avoid potential injuries, your clinic\u2019s staff will have your adolescent child remain seated for 15 minutes before leaving the medical center. Some children experience uncomfortable symptoms such as fever, rash or pain at the injection site after receiving a shot. These reactions tend to be mild and typically go away after a short time.<\/p>\n Placing a cool, damp cloth on the injection site can reduce redness, soreness and\/or swelling. A sponge bath in lukewarm water can help reduce fever. Some children experience a loss of appetite in the day following a vaccination. This is a normal reaction, so don\u2019t be concerned if they eat less for a day or two. Have your child drink more liquids to stay hydrated, and contact your pediatrician if symptoms last more than a few days.<\/p>\n Holding young children gently but securely facing you in your lap during the shot provides a sense of safety and comfort. It also enables the doctor to safely control the limb receiving the shot and the injection site. It also prevents the child from seeing the needle. Your doctor may prefer to use a different hold or have the child on the examination table during the injection.<\/p>\n View these photos<\/a> for suggested holds and embraces.<\/p>\n Knowing what to expect will lower your stress level and that of your child.<\/p>\n Giving your child (between six months and two years old) a sweet solution of sucrose or glucose prior to the injection can help reduce the pain of the shot. Your pediatrician can prepare this upon request.<\/p>\n Breastfeeding works well to calm and relax your baby by distracting him or her and providing the comfort of close contact.<\/p>\n These small tools majorly reduce\u2013even eliminate\u2014the pain that comes with injections and vaccinations. In general, they are designed to apply light, nerve-stimulating pressure at the injection site, which confuses the body\u2019s nerve signaling to the brain in the short-term, meaning the person receiving the shot won\u2019t even feel the needle poke.<\/p>\n Be honest with your child about what will occur. Speak in a calm voice, using words like \u201cpressure\u201d or \u201cpoke\u201d instead of \u201cpain\u201d or \u201cshot.\u201d Reassure them everything will be okay.<\/p>\n Bring a favorite toy, blanket, or book to help your child focus on something pleasant while you wait. Just before the shot, distract your child\u2019s attention with a song, story or acting silly. Continue the distraction after the shot is given.<\/p>\n Have your child take deep breaths while imagining the pain leaving their body as they exhale. Tell a story or point out interesting things in the room to focus their attention on something besides the shot.<\/p>\n Calm young infants by swaddling them. Hugs, cuddles and soft whispers can help soothe older babies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n In need of a flu or COVID-19 vaccine? Schedule an appointment<\/a> at any of our TrueCare locations<\/a> today. TrueCare has flu, COVID-19, and other vaccinations readily available for people of all ages through our Pediatric<\/a>, Primary Care<\/a> and Women\u2019s Health<\/a> services. Call or text us at 760-736-6767!<\/p>\n Research on Shot Blockers<\/strong><\/p>\n CDC<\/strong><\/p>\n TrueCare<\/strong><\/p>\n DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Vaccinations are important for maintaining good health at every age, but more so for young children. If your child\/children have missed recommended vaccinations over the past few years, now is […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":28003,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"Moderate exposure to the sun provides many health benefits, including helping the human body make Vitamin D. This essential nutrient strengthens the bones, blood cells, and immune system, and helps the body absorb important minerals like calcium and phosphorus.\r\n\r\nSunburn prevention is crucial for taking care of your skin \u2013 the largest organ of the body! According to the Surgeon General<\/a>, more than 1 out of every 3 Americans reports getting sunburned each year. \r\n\r\nAnyone who has returned home from a long day outside with red painful skin knows that too much sun is not a good thing. Occasional mild sunburns can be treated with aloe or other soothing ointments. Over long periods of time, frequent overexposure to the sun can cause premature skin aging and permanent skin damage, including skin cancer.<\/a> \r\n\r\nSkin damage results from two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun. Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays cause wrinkling and skin aging. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays produce sunburn. The best way to avoid skin damage from UV rays is to practice sun safety on a regular basis, including applying sunscreen when spending time outdoors.\r\n\r\nWhat To Do During the Appointment<\/h2>\n
\nAt TrueCare, our Pediatric<\/a> providers can provide shot blockers<\/a>, if available, which has been clinically shown to decrease the pain sensation.<\/h4>\n
\nHow to Comfort Your Child After Shots<\/h2>\n
How to Hold Your Child During Vaccination<\/h2>\n
9 Vaccination Tips: Ways to Minimize Vaccination Stress:<\/h4>\n
1. Learn about vaccines.<\/h3>\n
2. Reduce the pain response with sweet liquids.<\/h3>\n
3. Breastfeed.<\/h3>\n
4. Use shot blockers.<\/h3>\n
5. Prepare your child for the procedure.<\/h3>\n
6. Distract your child.<\/h3>\n
7. Use deep breathing.<\/h3>\n
8. Continue comforting after the shot.<\/h3>\n
Additional Resources:<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n
The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website, are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read on this website.<\/em><\/p>\n
\r\n\r\nCheck out our tips for sunburn relief.<\/a><\/h4>\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nWhat is Sunscreen?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\nSunscreen is a skin care product that uses a combination of organic chemical compounds to protect the surface of the skin from UV rays. It comes in spray or lotion formulas, and works by absorbing the UV rays, converting them into heat, and releasing back into the air. Whether using spray or lotion, sunscreen must be rubbed into the skin in order to be effective.\r\n\r\nSunblock offers a different kind of sunscreen to protect against UV skin damage. It works by using minerals such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide to form a physical barrier that prevents UV rays from getting into the skin. Because sunblock remains on the surface of the skin, it does not need to be rubbed in. Unlike sunscreens, which are invisible once applied, sunblocks often leave a layer of tint, usually white, on the skin.\r\n\r\n
What is \u201cBroad Spectrum\u201d Sunscreen<\/h3>\r\nWhen used properly, sunscreens and sunblocks are effective at preventing skin damage. However, each product only protects against one type of UV ray. Sunscreen is designed to protect against the UVA rays that cause wrinkling and premature skin aging. Sunblock is formulated to protect against the UVB rays that cause sunburn. \r\n\r\nBroad spectrum sunscreen prevents skin damage caused by UVA and UVB rays. It works by protecting the skin\u2019s surface and deeper skin tissues in one product and is highly recommended by dermatologists. Broad spectrum protection is also available in some sunblock products. When shopping for sunscreen, be sure to look for \u201cbroad spectrum\u201d on the packaging. Otherwise, it won\u2019t protect against both types of UV rays.\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nThe Federal Drug Administration regulates sunscreen to make sure they work. Watch the FDA\u2019s message for consumers.<\/a><\/h4>\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n\r\nWhat is SPF and Why is it Important?<\/h2>\r\n\r\nSPF rates the effectiveness of a sunscreen\u2019s ability to filter out UV radiation. It does this by measuring the amount of UV rays required to produce sunburn on sunscreen-protected skin compared to unprotected skin. If you applied a sunscreen rated SPF 30, it would take 30 times longer to burn the skin than if you were not wearing sunscreen.\r\nHowever, SPF does not measure how long you can stay in the sun without getting burned. Instead, it measures the total amount of exposure to the sun and how well the sunscreen protects against it. \r\n\r\nThe most important thing to know about SPF is the higher the number the more protection you get from UV rays. For example, SPF 50+ sunscreens filter 98% of UV radiation, while SPF 30 sunscreens filter 96.7%. That may seem like a negligible amount, but longer length of time in the sun equals higher exposure to UV rays \u2013 requiring more sunscreen for sunburn prevention.\r\n \r\n\r\n
When Should You Wear Sunscreen?<\/h2>\r\n\r\nUsing sunscreen is often associated with the summer months when the sun shines brightly and days are long and hot. However, temperature and sunshine have nothing to do with sunburn risk. You can get sunburned any time of year if you stay out too long in the sun without following to sun safety precautions. You can even get burned on a cloudy day. No matter what time of year, it\u2019s a good idea to apply sunscreen when you plan to be outdoors for any length of time. \r\n\r\n
Misperceptions About Sunscreen Usage<\/h2>\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, a lot of misinformation exists that contributes to incorrect use of sunscreen. To avoid painful sunburn or long-term skin damage, be aware of these common misconceptions:\r\n\r\nFalse:<\/strong> You only have to apply sunscreen once if you rub enough into your skin.\r\nTrue:<\/strong> Sunscreen wears off after a while, especially when swimming or playing in water. At minimum it should be reapplied every 2 hours.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nFalse:<\/strong> A fake tan product will protect your skin from the sun.\r\nTrue:<\/strong> Rubbing lotion on your skin that creates a fake tan does not block out UV rays and won\u2019t protect against sunburn or damaged skin.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nFalse:<\/strong> You don\u2019t need sunscreen when using cosmetics with an SPF rating.\r\nTrue:<\/strong> This is true only when the cosmetic has a SPF 30 rating or higher. Most do not.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nFalse: <\/strong>You can stay out longer in the sun when wearing SPF 50+ than you can with SPF 30.\r\nTrue: <\/strong>SPF refers to the effectiveness of the sunscreen, not the length of time you can safely stay in the sun. Both should be reapplied as necessary.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nFalse:<\/strong> You won\u2019t get sunburned if you tan easily.\r\nTruth:<\/strong> Skin darkens to protect against the damage caused by UV rays. Tanning does not eliminate the risk of skin cancer or the need to wear sunscreen.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nSunscreen FAQs:<\/h4> \r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\nWhat is SPF?<\/h3>\r\nSPF stands for \u201csun protection factor.\u201d It measures how long it takes for UVB rays to burn the skin when wearing sunscreen compared to the time it takes without sunscreen. \r\n\r\nAll sunscreen products must have the SPF number on the label or container. In general:\r\n
\r\n\t
How do I know if a sunscreen or sunblock is broad spectrum?<\/h3>\r\nLook for \u201cBroad Spectrum\u201d on the packaging. Only sunscreens that pass the Federal Drug Administration Broad Spectrum<\/a> test are allowed to carry the label.\r\n\r\n
Are sunscreens safe for babies and children?<\/h3>\r\nBabies under 6 months of age should have minimal exposure to the sun. When out in the sun, cover the child\u2019s skin with cool, breathable clothing or blankets. Dermatologists recommend sunblock or mineral sunscreens for children 6 months and older because they don\u2019t get absorbed into the skin. \r\n\r\n
How can I relieve the discomfort of a mild sunburn?<\/h3>\r\nPure aloe vera gel (without alcohol as an ingredient if buying in a bottle) provides relief from the pain and itching by helping the skin retain moisture. Honey, yogurt and cold compresses can also provide short-term relief. When the redness and pain\/itching subside, continue to moisturize the skin until it looks and feels normal.\r\n\r\n
What is the difference between sunburn and sun poisoning?<\/h3>\r\nA mild sunburn typically lasts a few days. If a sunburn continues to be painful and develops blisters or a rash, it could indicate sun poisoning. Mild sun poisoning can be treated with ibuprofen, cold compresses of equal parts milk and water, aloe vera, and by drinking plenty of liquids. More severe cases can include swelling, fever, chills, nausea, and disorientation. When these symptoms occur, seek prompt medical attention. \r\n\r\n
Can sunscreens affect my psoriasis or other skin condition?<\/h3>\r\nThe chemicals in sunscreens that absorb into the skin may aggravate psoriasis or other skin conditions. If you have dry skin or psoriasis, dermatologists recommend using a mineral-based sunblock that doesn\u2019t get absorbed into the skin. If your skin is prone to rosacea or allergies, avoid sunscreens that contain fragrances, preservatives, oxybenzone or PABA.\r\n\r\n
How can I prevent sunburns from reoccurring?<\/h3>\r\nPractice good sun safety every day: \r\n
\r\n\t
\r\n\r\n\r\nProtect Your Skin with a Team Who Cares<\/h2> \r\n\r\nSunscreen alone is not sunburn prevention solution, but it does help protect against the short- and long-term effects of sun exposure. If you get a sunburn that lasts more than a few days or develops signs of sun poisoning, such as swelling, blisters, fever, and dehydration, be sure to visit your provider.\r\n\r\nSame-day appointments<\/a> are available at TrueCare so you can talk with a doctor about relieving the pain and itching of a sunburn or addressing possible symptoms of sun poisoning. We also offer pediatric care<\/a> so you can talk to a pediatrician about the best sunscreen for your child and other ways to prevent sun damage. Come rain or sun, TrueCare is your healthy skin partner!\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTrueCare provides a number of health services<\/a> for children, adults, and the elderly, including wellness checks. Our providers are committed to quality comprehensive care with heart. Contact<\/a> your local TrueCare health center today to set up your appointment to improve your heart health.<\/em>\r\n \r\n\r\n
\r\nResources:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n>> American Academy of Dermatology<\/a>\r\n>> Federal Drug Administration<\/a>\r\n>> U.S. Department of Health and Human Services<\/a>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE\r\nThe information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read on this website.<\/em>","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[93,70,206],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27996","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-childrens-health","category-health-and-wellness","category-immunizations-and-vaccines"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n