“Studies are beginning to show that pain at the time of vaccination is a primary source of anxiety for caregivers of children,” said Philippe Duclos, PhD, senior health adviser for WHO’s Immunization, Vaccines and Biological Department. “Unaddressed, pain can potentially lead to caregivers delaying or avoiding future vaccinations.”
To address this issue, the WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization recommends that healthcare providers take the following seven measures to reduce pain at the time of vaccination:
- Maintain a calm demeanor and use neutral words, instead of phrases like “here comes the sting.”
- Position the recipient of the vaccine properly by age (infants and young children can be held by their caregiver, older patients should sit upright).
- Do not pull back on the syringe plunger before intramuscular injections, as that can increase pain.
- Give vaccines in order of least to most painful if multiple vaccinations are required at one visit.
The following recommendations are specific to infants and young children:
- Have family or caregivers present throughout the vaccination process.
- Have infants be breastfed during or shortly before the vaccination.
- Use distractions like toys, videos and music for children under 6.
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