We have seen for some time that in the future vaccines are not likely to be administered as it is done now, by injecting a liquid through a needle, with the consequent pain and discomfort in the area that this usually entails.
Vaccines are essential and necessary, but the truth is that the kids have bad punctures, and although there may be some who do not cry, it is normal for them to be upset and we, as parents, also suffer with them. Therefore, WHO published a series of guidelines for Vaccination is more enjoyable for children and minimize the fear that this moment causes.
Objectives: reduce pain and anxiety
Based on a study conducted by the WHO Expert Group on Strategic Immunization Advice (SAGE), WHO published a series of general measures to help reduce the pain and fear caused by vaccination between children and their parents.
Because we also suffer when we see them having a bad time, and everything we can do to help them and to minimize discomfort and anxiety caused by vaccination (both during and after the puncture) should be taken into account.
The measures recommended by WHO are applicable to all countries and ages, and could be divided into two large groups: on the one hand there are advice for health professionals, and on the other for parents of children.
Advice to professionals
The health personnel who are going to carry out the vaccination, you must have a calm and cooperative attitude. And we have already seen on some occasion how much it helps children empathy, closeness and affection when it comes to dealing with these types of situations.
Likewise, it is important to take into account the patient's age when pricking. If it is an infant or young child, it is convenient that your mother, father or person who goes with him hold in your arms while you are vaccinated. For the rest of the patients it is best to sit on the stretcher with a straight back.
On the other hand, aspiration (pulling back on the syringe plunger) is not recommended during intramuscular injections, as this can increase pain.
There are vaccines that hurt more than others, so when you have to administer several vaccines at the same visit It is recommended that they be administered from less to greater chance of causing pain.
Advice to parents or caregivers
WHO recommends that the child do not stay alone during vaccination, and that the person who accompanies you for consultation remains at your side throughout the process. Let's not forget that staying with your parents is a child's right that will also help you feel safe and better cope with the moment.
Breastfeeding infants during vaccination or immediately afterwards, as it is unmotivated that "tetanalgesia" helps children suffer and cry less. On several occasions we have echoed this practice as a more than effective measure to relieve pain and anxiety in children, both in vaccination, as in blood draws or even surgical interventions.
In children under six years also works distract your attention With toys, music or videos.
Although we have also seen that local anesthetics help minimize pain at the time of vaccination, WHO generally does not recommend its use, due to its high cost, supply difficulties in some countries and the time with which that must be counted from its application until its effect.
Parents also benefit from these measures.
As I commented above, there is no doubt that the moment of vaccination generates anxiety and fear also in parentsWell, although we know what is best for them, it hurts to see them cry and have a bad time.
Not surprisingly, Dr. Philippe Duclos, senior advisor to the WHO Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biological Products, notes that "the pain at the time of vaccination is the main source of anxiety for child caregivers", so they have considered it important to address this issue so that no parent delays or avoids vaccinating their children because of pain.
Therefore, check your child's health card and if it soon touches vaccines, help him to go through the moment in the best possible way, applying these WHO advice.
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Via For a more enjoyable vaccination - WHO
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