Improving the Vaccination Experience for your Child
Researchers are looking for children, youth and caregivers to take part in studies aimed at improving vaccination experiences and supports for needle fear. WDG Public Health is helping connect eligible participants with the opportunities below. Gift cards are offered for participation.
Research Study Opportunity for caregivers (18+) of adolescents (12-18) with needle fear: Adolescent Needle Fear Workbook Study (Caregiver only and adolescent only participation also available)
For questions about a study or how to participate, please contact the research team using the contact information provided on the study poster.
When you follow the recommended immunization schedule, your child will get needles regularly. Sometimes kids develop a fear of needles or needle phobia which can carry over into adulthood. This can lead to delaying or avoiding needles and vaccines. So what can you do to help your child have a better experience when getting needles?
Preparing your child for their vaccine appointment
- CARD (Comfort, Ask, Relax, Distract) for Parents (Immunize.ca)
How to reduce the pain of vaccination
- Reduce the pain of vaccination in kids and teens (PDF)
- Reduce the pain of vaccination in children (Video)
- How to apply numbing cream for vaccination (PDF)
Needle fears, phobias and needle-related fainting
You can also ask your healthcare provider about resources and treatments to help with needle fear or speak to a public health nurse by calling 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006.