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Immunizations save lives, but fear of needles is a major reason kids don't get their shots. Whether your child needs a COVID-19 vaccine or a different type of shot, we have ways to help. Pediatric pain and palliative medicine specialist Stefan J. Friedrichsdorf, MD, shares tips for soothing kids' pain and anxiety when they're due for vaccinations.
Pick up numbing cream
Apply 4% lidocaine cream at least 30 minutes before your child's vaccination. You can buy it over the counter in drugstores, at pharmacies or online. Check with your doctor's office to find out the exact location of the shot (usually the upper leg for babies under 12 months, and the upper arm for children age 1 and older). Apply the cream to an area of skin about the size of a quarter, and then cover it with a transparent film dressing (sold at drugstores) or plastic wrap.
Position kids for comfort
Do not hold your child down. Hold babies younger than 6 months swaddled or with skin-to-skin contact. Have older kids sit on your lap. Teens may choose to sit on your lap, or next to you or alone. Let it be their choice.
Offer age-appropriate distraction
You might want to bring a favorite book, toy or stuffed animal along in case you have to wait, or for comfort after the shot. An LED changing-pattern spinner wand, pinwheels and picture books can distract the youngest kids, and apps or books may appeal to older ones. Don't say "I'm sorry" or "It'll be over soon." Instead, use humor and distract with light conversation.
During and after the shot
For babies under age 1, breastfeed or give them a few drops of sugar water (24% sucrose) during the vaccination. For kids of all ages, create a positive memory by praising them right after the shot, and again at home. Tell them how well they did, and how it only "bothered" them for a very short time (if it did). This helps them create a positive memory and be less afraid next time. Very young children won't understand the words, but they'll sense your encouragement.
Dr. Stefan Friedrichsdorf, pediatric pain specialist at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, gives you tips to make your kids more comfortable receiving a vaccine.