Yes, at the time, it might. Not all babies and CHILDREN react in the same way, and some may not seem to feel any pain, but we all know that INJECTIONS can hurt. Occasionally people may develop a fear of injections, so it is not a good idea to say things like ‘don’t worry, it won’t hurt’. However, there are ways to help reduce the pain that your child might feel.

For example:

• Breastfeed while the injection is taking place, or as soon as it is FINISHED
• Sit your child upright – don’t lie them down
• Rub or stroke the skin near the injection site (before, during and after the injection)
• Deep breathing and blowing can help – get your child to blow BUBBLES or a pinwheel
• Let your child play with a toy so they are distracted during the injection, or have something ready for them to play with afterwards.
• See ‘Reducing the pain of childhood vaccination’ in the CANADIAN Medical Association Journal.

Yes, at the time, it might. Not all babies and children react in the same way, and some may not seem to feel any pain, but we all know that injections can hurt. Occasionally people may develop a fear of injections, so it is not a good idea to say things like ‘don’t worry, it won’t hurt’. However, there are ways to help reduce the pain that your child might feel.

For example: