Getting a shot: free visual schedule and shot plan

Who it’s for

Children who are going to get a shot (a vaccine, a flu shot, an allergy shot), especially children who worry about it for days, children who find surprises hard, and children who don’t speak or don’t speak much. Older children and teens can use the plan on their own.

Be honest about the shot

The schedule calls it what it is: the shot. Don’t promise it won’t hurt: a child who was told “it won’t hurt” and then feels the poke stops trusting the pictures. Say instead what will happen and how long it lasts: “A quick poke, then a bandage, then we’re done.” Step 8, I did it!, matters as much as the others: it tells the child there is an end, and it comes fast.

How to use it

1. Look at the steps a day or two before, not weeks before. Go through them calmly, once or twice, and practice steps 2 to 4 with a teddy.
2. Fill in the shot plan together. Let the child tick one picture in each row: where to sit, where to look, what to hold, what to do and what comes after. A child who chooses has something to do besides worry.
3. Bring both pages, and show the plan to the nurse before the shot, so everyone follows the same plan.
4. Point to each step as it happens, and to the next one: “Next, 1, 2, 3.” Keep the count the same as at home.
5. Celebrate step 8, whatever happened in between. Crying doesn’t undo I did it!

The shot plan

Every row has a choice, and every choice is the child’s. Some children like to sit on a grown-up’s lap; others want their own chair. Some want to watch the arm; others look at their tablet or at their grown-up’s face. The my idea box is for something we didn’t think of. The bottom row gives the child words for the nurse: wait, please, tell me first, I’m ready. A plan made at home, in a calm moment, is easier to think through than choices offered in the exam room.

Questions about the shot itself

This page helps a child know what will happen and take part. It isn’t medical advice. Ask the doctor or nurse about the shot itself: what it’s for, what to expect afterwards, and anything that worries you. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

What’s on the PDF

Getting a shot

• wait
• sit down
• sleeve up
• cold wipe
• 1, 2, 3
• the shot
• bandage
• I did it!

My shot plan

• in a chair
• on a lap
• lying down
• at my arm
• at my grown-up
• at my tablet
• away
• a hand
• squeeze ball
• my teddy
• fidget toy
• deep breaths
• count
• sing
• music
• sticker
• hug
• playground
• treat

Tell the nurse

• wait, please
• tell me first
• scared
• ouch
• I’m ready
• all done

Printing tips

• Print a fresh shot plan for each visit, and keep the old ones: next time, start from what worked.
• Change the steps to match your visit: if the child lies down, or there’s no wipe, cross the step out and draw what will happen.
• The shot is often part of a checkup: the doctor visit visual schedule has the rest of the visit, and the where does it hurt board helps afterwards.
• For the waiting room, the calm down choices board has breathing and squeezing ideas, and cards that fit in a pocket.