Service details

In school-based vaccination sessions, children and young people will be called to the session in groups to be given their vaccinations on the day we visit their school.

Children absent on the day of the vaccination session may be able to be seen at a future session if the team have more than one session booked for the vaccine. Alternatively, you may have an invitation to book an appointment at one of our community clinics should you wish to catch up any missed school vaccines.

It’s completely natural that children might feel anxious about having their vaccines. Here is some advice on how to reassure your child about some common worries, and how best to look after them once they’ve had a vaccination. If you have anything that you or your child are about worried about, you can call the immunisation team.

Top tips

• It helps to talk to your child about why they are having a vaccine. You could explain that it is only a few seconds only of discomfort and protects them from diseases that could make them very unwell.
• If you can, make sure your child wears short sleeves on the day as this makes it much easier and quicker, and your child won’t have to undo/take their shirt off. 
• Encourage your child to eat breakfast. Being anxious burns more calories and can cause a headache after they’ve had the injection.
• If your child is anxious they could practice deep breathing to help them relax. They can use an app like Headspace, or count to 10 breathing slowly in through their nose and then out through their mouth.
• The nurse will support your child and chat to them about the vaccination process.
• Suggest that your child flicks the palm of their own hand – the sensation and length of time it lasts are similar to having an injection.

In community based vaccination sessions, you will be greeted by a member of our team, and given advice about where to go and how to prepare for the vaccine you or your child will be receiving.

Getting and feeling ready

• The injection is not like a blood test. It is easier and much quicker.
• It feels like a pinch or a cat scratch.
• The needles are not huge - just long enough to get to the right place!
• It’s much quicker than having a piercing or a tattoo.
• The needle cannot break off in your arm and we can’t leave any part of it inside you.
• Reactions to vaccines are very rare, and even more common ones tend to be mild and pass quickly.
• The vaccine protects you, it doesn’t harm you – even if you feel sore or tired after the vaccination you’re not sick; it’s just your immune system working, and your body learning how to fight that virus in the future.

Aftercare

• Your child will be advised to continue with their normal activities and to move their arm regularly after their injection. This will help to avoid the arm feeling stiff.
• It is very common to experience mild side effects such as redness, pain and swelling at the injection site. Paracetamol can be taken if needed.
• Your GP practice will be automatically notified that you’ve received a vaccination so that it can be recorded in your medical record at the GP – you don’t need to tell them separately.
• If parents, carers or children have any concerns, they can contact the team via the details on our Contact Us page. Out of hours, advice should be sought from 111 or their GP if you feel you have had a reaction to a vaccine.