Tips For Less Painful Shots

Get the tips you need to know for less painful shot visits for you and your family!

We've all had em, some more than others . . . .

Shots.

A word that brings fear to more than 20% of the general population.

As a matter of fact according to Wikipedia for many people Trypanophobia, or the fear of needles, is SO severe they avoid immunizations, and in the more severe case ALL medical care.

My fear of needles was terrible, up until I found a gal that was AMAZING! Not only could squeeze blood from a turnip she was an expert at distraction! Now that I'm older I can distract myself while the nurse sticks me, but now have a son who has many shots ahead of him.

So, what can I do to help him have less painful shots?

Here's what our local expert Jillian, a nurse with the Mesa County Health Department had to say:

Be honest, tell them it's gonna hurt/pinch, but not for long. You don't want to lie to them.
Distract and comfort them. Take their favorite toy, blanket. Maybe some bubbles, point out things in the room.
Have something special for them afterwards.
Smile and make eye contact with your child. Don't act nervous or scared.
Take deep breaths with your child.

Comfort and Relief After Shots

I've always been told to give my child pain reliever prior to the shot so they don't hurt afterwards, but this is not recommended because they may not have a reaction. Here's some other options:

Warm bath
Warm compress-place a washcloth in hot water, wring, put it in a baggie, wrap with paper towel so baggie is not touching the skin over the area where the shot was administered.

"Got Kids," in con-junction with the Partnership for Children & Families, is a NEW feature at 9:40 every Friday that covers early childhood growth and development, along with a variety of services, products and resources that serve Western Colorado. Find them on Facebook and be sure to check out their Online 'Got Kids' Road Map.