Your kid’s well child visit is in a few days, and you think they might need a vaccination. The last time they had to get a shot, they were afraid—and you dread that happening again.
Fear of needles is common with kids, with studies showing that 40-60% of children under the age of 12 and 20-50% of adolescents experience it. But just because it’s common, that doesn’t make it easier to navigate as a parent. That’s why we asked our pediatrician Dr. Nicole Hight, who sees patients at our Zarminali Pediatrics & Urgent Care – Perimeter clinic in Atlanta, Georgia, for tips to help children through those anxious moments. In this article, she shares
Before the visit
If you know in advance that your child needs a vaccine, there are steps you can take to ease anxieties before you even set foot in your pediatrician’s office. The key: make things clear for your child.
Dr. Hight emphasizes the importance of using simple language kids understand.
“Stay calm and be honest,” she advises. “Explain calmly what and why, using child-friendly terms like ‘quick, small pinch’ or ‘poke with medicine that will keep you healthy.’”
Avoid using scary or unclear language, like needle, hurt, or immunization. If asked, also avoid promising no shots or no pain at the visit, because this breaks trust with your child.
You can also help your child prepare by role-playing or teaching relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or guided imagery, to help them stay calmer in the moment. It’s important to validate their feelings, reassuring them that it’s OK to be scared and that you’ll be there with them.
Getting ready to leave for their appointment? Make sure your child’s eaten and is hydrated, and consider bringing some of their favorite comfort items with you. Dr. Hight notes that rushing can increase anxiety, so give yourself plenty of time to get to the office.
You’re in the exam room, and it’s time for your child to get a vaccine. Even if you didn’t have a chance to prepare before the visit, there’s still things you—and your pediatrician—can do to help your child.
First, talk to your care team. Let them know if your child is anxious about needles or had extreme stress reactions in the past, like fainting, numbness, tingling, or agitation. This can help the medical team adjust their approach, taking extra steps to reassure your child.
Before the shot, try practicing a relaxation technique with your child, like deep breathing or a grounding technique. Ask them to name three things they see, three things they hear, or move three parts of their body. This can help kids feel empowered and have control over how they feel. Your care team can also talk to your child about what to expect.
Dr. Hight shares that when she performs procedures, “I explain step-by-step during the procedure (‘This is an alcohol swab, I am going to rub it on your arm here, it will feel cold, etc.’), so there are no surprises, stopping to answer questions along the way. By doing this, we build trust, helping kids feel safer and less fearful.”
During the vaccine, reassure your child that they’re doing great. Distractions, like animated videos, toys, games, or even blowing bubbles, can also be helpful. Your pediatrician might offer using a shot confuser or Buzzy®, which can be especially helpful for children with sensory issues. Devices like that have been proven to decrease the pain that children experience.
“Buzzy reduces pain by blocking pain signals to the brain by using vibration and cold to interrupt two pain pathways,” explains Dr. Hight. “Vibration at specific frequencies stimulates fast-acting nerves, which travel faster than slower pain signals. Intense cold numbs the area and overwhelms the pain signal by competing with pain for the brain’s attention. Both work together to dull or eliminate sharp pain.”
For children with sensory needs, creating a calm environment can also help ease fears. Your pediatrician will try to make things predictable, avoiding quick, sudden movements and potentially dimming lights. Feel free to bring soothing objects, too, like headphones or things they can squeeze, rub, or hold. Offering choices can give them a sense of control.
Facing fears isn’t easy at any age. So once your child receives the vaccine, provide reassurance and rewards.
“Our attention and praise are our kids’ most sought-after prize,” Dr. Hight shares. “Reward calmness and praise effort. Small prizes, such as stickers, or special time with the caregiver, like going to the park together, can be very motivating as well.”
Continue to validate their feelings and let them know they did a great job.
Need a pediatrician who will partner with you to support your child’s health needs? Schedule a visit with one of our clinicians.