Pediatrics: The Pain of Getting a Shot

Kids need shots and shots can hurt. What can practitioners do to help their littlest patients? Specialists from the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles offer tips for both practitioners and parents of kids who will be facing needles. While being candid is key, there is no reason to instill fear. Providing the right amount of information based on a child’s age and understanding goes a long way.

“Kids already have this innate fear of anything involving needles or pokes,” says Chloe Reichert, Child Life Specialist in the CHLA Infusion Center. “Often, a child’s anticipatory anxiety makes it so much worse than the actual poke.” Also, when possible, involve the child getting the shot by asking them which arm or whether or not to watch.

 

Read the press release.

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• pain management

• pediatric pain management

• pediatrics

• vaccine