Page 4 - Healthy Kids Now - Winter 2022/2023

Is your child afraid of getting
a shot?
4
Many children have a fear of • Explain matter-of-factly what is • Remain calm and upbeat. Just as
needles. In fact, it’s estimated that two in three children feel afraid or anxious around them. But a child’s fear can often be more upsetting than the actual shot.
To ease your child’s anxiety, try the following tips:
• Don’t demand your child be brave.
Instead, listen, reassure, and make a
plan to help them with their fears.
• Role-play the medical visit before
you go, so children know what
to expect.
• Tell children the vaccines are giving
them medicine to keep them healthy.
about to happen. Tell them that the shot will hurt a little bit only for
a moment. Use words like “poke,” “pinch,” and “pressure,” instead of “pain” or “shot.”
• Distract them with toys, stories, or games. For example, play “I spy” with items around the office, read from their favorite book, or pull up a video on a smart device.
• Help them relax. Hold your child on your lap or place them in a comforting position where they can feel your touch.
stress can be contagious, so can staying cool and collected. Use comforting words in a soft voice to help them feel reassured.
• Ask your child’s provider about applying a numbing cream to the skin before the shot.
For more extreme fears, talk with your child’s doctor about solutions and possible help from a mental or behavioral health provider.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics, U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Journal of Advanced Nursing, PLOS ONE, Delaware Division of Public Health