Holding children and infants during vaccination can help to reduce stress and fear. (Image Credit: James Gathany, Judy Schmidt, USCDCP, via PublicDomainImages)
New Canadian guidelines aim to reduce pain during vaccinations in both children and adults. Pain during the vaccination process can make children and adults hesitant to receive future immunizations.
The guidelines update previous guidelines, published in 2010, and have been expanded to cover adults as well as children. The recommendations are designed to be used in a variety of settings, such as doctors offices, schools, or workplaces. Examples of pain reduction recommendations include;
- Injecting the most painful vaccine last when multiple vaccines are given in one visit.
- Breast- or formula-feeding infants during vaccinations.
- Keeping the patient in an upright position to reduce fear and provide a sense of control.
The recommendations were designed by a multidisciplinary group of 25 professionals with expertise in pain, fear, nursing and vaccines.
Original research paper published in the CMAJ on August 24, 2015.
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