Flu Shots

None of us have ever gotten the flu shot before. But since Julia has been in daycare the last two winters, we all have gotten the flu.

I figured I would take Julia in to have the flu shot, because I am hoping to have her back in daycare soon (meaning I find a job soon!).

Our pediatrician does not require an appointment to get the shot. I decided to take Julia today so she can get the 2nd dose at her 3 year check-up in a month (you have to have 2 doses, 1 month apart, if you have never gotten the flu shot before). When we got there they asked if we wanted the regular flu shot or the H1N1 shot, or both. I did not realize they have the H1N1 vaccine. They said they had a very limited supply and it was only for the high risk people (under 4yrs. old or other health problems). Since Julia is not even 3 yet, she fell into the high risk category and could get one if I wanted her to have it. Even though I am pretty sure she has already been exposed to it (we are almost positive Jerrod had it several weeks ago), I thought it would not hurt to get the vaccine anyway.

So she ended up getting 2 shots; the regular flu shot and the H1N1 vaccine. I had been talking to her all afternoon on how she was going to get a shot, but it would only hurt for a little bit, and then it would be all better.

Jerrod ended up coming with me to the pedi. He held her legs and I held her arms. She tensed a bit when he gave the first shot and she cried for him to stop, but within seconds he was done with both shots. As soon as we said she was all done, she stopped crying. He put Band-Aids on the injection spots and I kissed them to make them all better. Julia was actually smiling and laughing by that point. Jerrod and I made sure to make a big deal out of what a big girl she was for her shots. She was so proud of herself! I know talking to her about what is going to happen ahead of time always makes a big difference.

Hopefully she does this well again when she has to get them again in a month. I guess Jerrod and I need to go get the flu shots too now!