Freaked out by needles? How to prepare for the COVID-19 vaccine

Published 2021-11-25 02:00

Story by CBC Kids News

There are plenty of things you can do to help it go well

⭐️HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW⭐️

Most kids don’t like getting needles.
But we know they’re important to prevent the spread of diseases like COVID-19.
There are things you can do to help the process go well.
Staying positive, having a distraction and planning for a reward are just some of the things that help.
Keep reading for more tips. ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

Put your hand up if you like getting needles!

Anyone?

Chances are, no one put their hand up.

You may have heard that kids ages five and up can get the COVID-19 vaccine in Canada.

COVID-19 vaccine approved for kids ages 5-11: Here’s what you need to know

But, you may also be nervous about it.

After all, the shot will probably hurt a little bit, but only for a few seconds.

Even though it’s perfectly normal to be afraid of needles, there are plenty of things you can do to make the experience more positive.

CBC Kids News spoke with two experts in children’s pain for some tips: Rebecca Pillai Riddell, from York University in Toronto, Ontario, and Christine Chambers from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Here’s a summary of their advice.

Things you can do before the shot

Ask questions: Talk to the adults in your life, the pharmacist, or doctor so you know what to expect.
Plan to bring something like a tablet, phone, book, toy or stuffed animal.
Apply a cream: You can get a numbing cream that you put on your arm 30-60 minutes before.
Stay positive: Don’t tell yourself it won’t go well.

A girl sits with a tablet in her lap while getting her COVID shot

It’s a good idea to bring a tablet or something that can distract you when you get the COVID-19 shot. (Image credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Things you can do during the shot

Find a distraction: Watch a video, play a video game, read a book, talk to your adult.
Bring someone with you to comfort you.
Relax your body: Take deep breaths, hold someone’s hand.
Keep up the positive thoughts.
Remember, it’s OK to cry.

A girl smiles in a doctor's office

Keep a positive attitude. The vaccine only hurts for a few seconds but helps protect kids like Eunice Lee, who got the shot in Washington earlier this month. She’s a kidney transplant patient and could get really sick from COVID-19. (Image credit: Carolyn Kaster/The Associated Press)

Things you can do after

Gently massage or rub the spot where you got the shot.
Ask your adult for a reward, like a treat or a special activity.
Be proud! You’re part of the solution to keep people safe from COVID-19.

A kid in Toronto, Ontario, flexes his muscles and shows off his stickers after being one of the first kids under age 11 in Canada to get the COVID-19 vaccine on Nov. 23. (Image credit: Steve Russell/The Canadian Press)

Want to know more about the COVID-19 vaccine? Check out this video:

Have more questions? We'll do our best to look into it for you. Ask for permission from your parent or guardian and email us at cbckidsnews@cbc.ca.