Getting a Shot

Getting a Shot

What is a Shot?

• A shot is a form of medicine. It goes into your body through a syringe. The syringe has a small needle that pricks your skin. The doctor or nurse presses a plunger to push the medicine into your body. A shot can also be called an injection.

Why Do People Need Shots?

• Shots have important medicine inside. Some shots are vaccines. Others can make you feel better when you are sick. Never use a syringe yourself. Ask an adult for help.

Before a Shot

• Shots are usually given in your arm or leg. A doctor or a nurse will clean a spot on your skin with alcohol. The alcohol kills germs and keeps them from spreading.

During a Shot

• The doctor or nurse will ask you to hold still. They will push the needle into your skin. You will feel a little sting. They will press the syringe plunger. This releases the medicine into your body.

After a Shot

• A shot only takes a few seconds. You may see a drop of blood where the needle went into your skin. The doctor or nurse will put a Band-Aid on the spot. The area where you got the shot may be a little sore for a short time.

Read More

• Getting a Checkup

• Vaccines