Preparing for your visit

Before the visit

Come prepared! Take these steps before you or your child receive a vaccine to help make the immunisation visit less stressful.

• Read any vaccine materials (such as vaccine-preventable conditions and diseases) and write down any questions you have.
• Learn about the benefits and risks of the vaccines that you or your child is receiving.
• Find the personal immunisation record for you or your child and bring it to your appointment. An up-to-date record tells your doctor which vaccines your child has already received.
• A mild illness is usually not a reason to reschedule a vaccination visit.  Learn more about vaccines when your child is sick.

Supporting your child

• Be honest with your child. Explain that needles can pinch or sting, but that it won’t hurt for long.
• Encourage other family members, especially older siblings, to support your child.
• Remind children that vaccines can keep them healthy.