What to Expect

Before, During, and After Vaccination

Before Vaccination - What You Need to Bring to the Vaccination Event
  • A parent or guardian must accompany all children under the age of 18.
  • The parent or guardian must bring a valid form of identification for parent or legal guardian.
  • Child’s vaccination records, such as Form DH 680, Florida Certification of Immunization, which will be updated after the vaccinations.
  • We recommend that the child eat a meal or snack before being vaccinated.
I Can’t Find My Child’s Vaccination Records, What Do I Do?
  • Call your child’s doctor to get a copy of their vaccination records.
  • Contact your child’s school to get a copy of their vaccination records.
  • Contact the local Health Department to get a copy of their vaccination records.
For those with Vaccination Records from Other States or Countries:

Due to time limitations, we recommend that for children who had prior vaccinations done in another state or country, you should make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician or Primary Care Physician (PCP).

Niños con registros de vacunación de otros estados o países:

Debido a las limitaciones de tiempo, le recomendamos que para los niños que se hayan vacunado previamente en otro estado o país, debe programar una cita con el pediatra o médico de cabecera (PCP) de su hijo.

Before and During Vaccination

For younger children:

  • Bring a stuffed animal or item of comfort, such as a pacifier for babies.
  • Be honest about what to expect, you're getting a shot, and it might hurt a little.
  • The parent or caregiver should hug, sing, and play with their child.

For older children and adolescents:

  • Take deep breaths with your child to help “blow out” the pain.
  • Point out interesting things in the room to help create distractions.
  • Tell or read stories to the child.
  • Support your child if he or she cries. Never scold a child for not “being brave”.
After Vaccination

Sometimes children can experience mild reactions from vaccines, such as pain at the injection site, a rash, or a fever. These reactions are normal and will soon go away. The following tips will help you identify and minimize mild side effects.

Take a moment to read the Vaccine Information Sheet your health care professional gives during your visit. This sheet has helpful information and describes possible side effects your child may experience.

  • Use a cool, wet cloth to reduce redness, soreness, and swelling in the place where the shot was given.
  • Reduce any fever with a cool sponge bath. If your doctor approves, give non-aspirin pain reliever.
  • Give your child lots of liquid. It’s normal for some children to eat less during the 24 hours after getting vaccines.
  • Pay extra attention to your child for a few days. If you see something that concerns you, call your doctor.
COVID-19 Precautions

To protect our patients, families, and staff, each facility has put extra safety precautions in place, following CDC recommendations for COVID-19. Youth and parents must wear masks during the vaccination visits.