Making a child’s vaccination experience better and decreasing the amount of pain they may feel is very important. If a child has a bad experience getting a vaccine they may not trust their healthcare provider and may not want to get other vaccines or health care when needed in the future.
There are many things that can decrease pain and lessen stress and anxiety for children and their parents. Using a numbing cream, giving children a chance to ask questions, and informing them about what to expect, letting them choose ways they can be most comfortable when getting a vaccine can help make children’s vaccination experience uneventful and even positive.
Other Resources
Watch the video series created by SickKids on reducing vaccination pain in your child (auto translate option available under settings).
Watch the video Needle Pain and Phobia. How to avoid fear of needles and vaccines.
Tips to Improve your Child’s Immunization Experience- Toronto Public Health
The CARD System – Help Eliminate Pain in Kids & Adults - Videos (auto translate option available under settings)
Dr. Bartlett - How can you make a child’s vaccination experience better?- Video– SMDHU
Dr. Kazmi - How can you make a child’s vaccination experience better?- Video– SMDHU
Tips to improve your vaccination experience for children and youth (multilingual resources)