Positive thinking could boost immune response to vaccines, say scientists

[3catwoman3]

2. How interesting.

During my pediatric NP career, I would encourage parents to be calm and matter-of-fact when their children were due for immunizations. As early as the first round of shots at the 2 month well visit, I'd hear parents say things to the baby like, "Oh, I'm so sorry that they have to do this to you!" I'd gently tell them that your kids are going to take their cues from you, and if you act like this is a terrible thing, they will think so too, and wonder why you are letting us do this.

When the kids were old enough to communicate, and would ask the parents if it was going to hurt, I'd recommend some version of the following statement - "Yes, for just a moment. You'll be safe on my lap, getting a big hug, it will be over really fast, and you'll be fine."

Maybe I was onto something.