Think Walgreens for Back-To-School Immunizations + Tips for Anxiety! #GiveaShot #CollectiveBias

Disclosure:  This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CollectiveBias

Back-to-School time means back to the doctor in every mom’s world for vaccinations. Not sure about you all, but we spend SO much time at the doctor these days for check-ups between me and my three kiddos. Unfortunately this time of year means I have to fight for good appointment times since the pediatrician is flooded with physicals for school age kids.

Enter Walgreens. I am so thankful places that are a convenient spot for moms to go for immunizations. They make it quick, easy and painless since NO appointment is needed {soooo awesome since only YOU know when your kid is in the best mood for a shot!}. Additionally, most insurances are accepted and I love that they will report back to your primary care physician to let them know your child’s immunization record has been updated.

Working with doctors for my job, I have truly learned the importance of vaccinations and yes, I am one of those moms who shout from the rooftops their importance. I believe everyone should have the right to choose as a parent, but I encourage you to get educated by reading medical journal articles and not just a random blog post or from a “doctor” who isn’t backed up by trusted organizations like the CDC.

A new campaign Walgreens is promoting this year is Get a Shot, Give a Shot. Every time you get an immunization for kids at Walgreens, you are also helping them Give a Shot to a child in need. When your child gets their school immunizations, like for whooping cough or meningitis, they will help provide a life saving vaccine to a child in a developing country through the United Nation Foundation’s Shot@Life Campaign. How cool is that? I also love that it’s the perfect opportunity to talk about our world in a global sense, and remind our children of how lucky they are to have the medical necessities we have in our country.

If your child is afraid of shots as most kids are, here are tips I have learned along the way for dealing with immunization anxiety:

1. Go at their BEST time of day — before you run errands is generally a good idea. Nothing like a moody kid!

2. Talk about what is going to happen, and reassure your child that shots keep them healthy.

3. Use your phone or a tablet to distract them during the shot. A music video of their favorite song, or a clip of something they find hysterical are good spots to start. Or, let them bring in an iPod so they can listen to music during the process.

4. Good old-fashioned bribery. We all do it…”If you do well with your shot, we can go get a special treat or pick out a toy.” That is a great reason to go to Walgreens — they can go shop for something special before or after! Even better, pick out some awesome school supplies. {I spy Mr. Sketch scented markers below…Still my favorite!}

What are your favorite tricks to calming your child’s fears of immunizations? Let me know!