Creating a Stress-Free Vaccine Experience

Creating a Stress-Free Vaccine Experience

From anxiety leading up to the appointment, to pain that can occur during and after, there’s a lot about vaccination that can leave kids and adults uncomfortable.

The good news is that you can help! By planning ahead to provide pain relief, calm anxiety, ensure comfort, and educate your child about vaccines when they are ready, you can help make getting immunizations a stress-free experience.

curly-header

Quick pain is worth the long-lasting benefits of immunization.

Taking your child to get shots can be stressful for you and your child, but the quick pain they experience during their shots is well worth the benefits. Still, every parent wants their child to experience the least amount of discomfort possible.

Thanks to several studies that looked at the best ways to relieve shot pain, there are a number of helpful tips, hints, and strategies to ease your baby’s tears and fears.

Easing Pain for Babies and Toddlers

Soothe your baby with the five “S’s”: After the vaccine is given, swaddle your baby in a blanket, place them on their side or stomach, gently shush them, and rock/swing them. If your baby is still upset, give them a pacifier to suck on for comfort. These tips have shown to produce less crying and pain for your baby. They help distract your baby from their pain by providing attention and comfort.

A spoonful of sugar makes everything better: If your child is 2 years old or younger, ask their provider to give them a glucose or sucrose solution a few minutes before their shots. A small dose of a sugar solution (sugar water) before a vaccine has been shown to reduce babies’ pain during the minutes following their vaccine. This little bit of sugar can reduce crying and other discomfort.

A mother’s milk can help: If you’re able, breastfeeding during your child’s shots can help calm and relax them. The close contact provides comfort, and the sweetness in the milk can help relieve pain. Even a small amount of milk can help. Babies who are breastfed only are also less likely to run a fever after receiving their shots than babies who are partially breastfed or only receive formula.

The little things count: When your baby is upset before, during, or after their shots, try these simple tips:

  • Talk to them in a calming voice or sing them a song.
  • Cuddle them close if they want to be held.
  • Bring along a favorite blanket or toy that comforts your baby.
  • For toddlers, try telling a story, reciting the ABCs together or taking deep breaths to “blow away the pain.” Deep breaths for nervous parents are encouraged, too!

Easing Pain for Older Kids

For older kids, tools like the Buzzy® and ShotBlocker can help ease the pain of injections and create a distraction. You can also apply a topical numbing cream 30 – 60 minutes ahead of time. Be sure you speak with your provider first to ensure you apply it on the correct site they will use for the shot.

If your child is old enough to understand that they are getting a vaccine, don’t ignore their fears or tears. Acknowledge their dislike and discomfort. Reassure them with honest answers to their questions, but there is no need to over-explain or dwell on the topic.

When in doubt, remember to smile. Encourage your child and praise them for their bravery when it’s all over! The pain and stress that a child and parent may have experienced is well worth the years of disease protection they've just received.

Help ensure comfort and calm anxiety.

Some kids may need help calming anxiety at healthcare visits and vaccine appointments. Some kids may need sensory accessible accommodations. By planning ahead to meet these needs, you can lessen your child’s fears and anxiety and help ensure they have a comfortable vaccination experience.

Providers can help ensure a sensory-friendly vaccination experience by minimizing the use of fluorescent light when possible, ensuring their offices have a variety of seating options for children, and playing calming music. Parents and caregivers can ensure they bring noise-canceling headphones for kids who are sensitive to sounds. They can also bring along any of their child’s favorite calming items from home, like weighted blankets and fidget toys.

Education eases anxiety. Just as you’ve taken the step to get your questions answered and ease your own anxiety about vaccines, you can help educate your child about vaccines in much the same way. When they are old enough (usually around age 5), educating your child can help them to understand why quick, painful pokes in the clinic or doctor’s office will help prevent illnesses and long hospital stays.

Use these fun coloring pages and videos to show your child that vaccines help them stay healthy so that they can play outside and enjoy their favorite activities!