[Pain reduction during vaccination of young children]

Abstract

- Children have the right to pain mitigation during vaccination.- There are several simple, non-costly and safe interventions to effectively reduce pain during vaccination.- To improve the Dutch vaccination praxis, it is essential to train professionals in the use of these interventions.- Using the vaccination technique described in the guideline of the Dutch National Immunisation Programme results in pain reduction.- As a pain-reducing intervention at every vaccination procedure, the healthcare professional can give the child and parents a feeling of being in control by explaining about the vaccination procedure, pain and pain reduction and by vaccinating in calm, low-stimulus surroundings.- Other effective interventions include distracting the child, having it sit in the lap of a parent, giving it something to suck on, feeding it or having it drink a sugary solution, and using a topical anaesthetic cream. The healthcare professional should implement these interventions in consultation with, and attuned to, both the child and its parents.