My little boy is still too little to talk to about getting shots, so I just take him and he no clue what is in store for him until it actually happens, poor baby, but it can help older kids if you prepare them for a shots.
Tips For Making Shots Less Scary
Talk to them. Tell them they have to get a shot before you are unloading them at the pediatrician's offine. Be honest and explain that yes, it will hurt, but it will only hurt for a small amount of time.
Explain why.
Explain why they have to get a shot. If they're getting a flu shot, talk to them about how many people end up in the hospital each year with the flu, something that can many times be avoided with the flu vaccine.
Don't Look!
I never, ever look when a needle is headed for my arm, but children might not realize this. Tell them it will probably help if they don't watch the nurse give them the shot. It can make them more tense and anxious, which can make shots hurt more.
Pain Reliever
Give them some Tylenol or other pain reliever before they get the shot. This can help relieve some of the discomfort and soreness they may feel afterwards.
Give Them A Reward
I know there are lots of people that do not feel like kids should be rewarded for doing things that they have to do anyway, (like going to the doctor and getting a shot,) but a little reward can go a long way. Take it from me, I was the world's worst patient as a kid. I hated going to the doctor. (I'm still not crazy about it, but since I'm going on Baby # 2 in as many years, I'm adjusting.) My mom would always plan a little trip to the Dime Store (now known as the Dollar Store...inflation at work) after my doctor's visits. It really did help. I still remember getting those liitle prizes. This also gives you something to talk about to use as a distraction in the waiting room.