From birth, babies are required to tolerate needles as part of their medical care. In particular, vaccine injections can cause pain, anxiety, and fear in babies and children and their parents! This pain may lead to anxiety in the future, and even develop into needle phobias and avoidance of healthcare in some cases.
The magnitude of pain and distress with vaccination
Vaccinating your child contributes to a global effort to eliminate the devastating childhood diseases that were prevalent in previous generations. While vaccinations are crucial for children’s health, it’s important to note that vaccine injections are one of the most common sources of pain during childhood, as they are administered repeatedly to nearly all children during infancy, childhood, and adolescence.
Ways to manage vaccination pain
Managing vaccination pain aims to prevent children from developing a fear of needles as a result of unmitigated pain and distress during vaccinations.
Over-the-counter pain medications
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as paracetamol, can help relieve pain and fever that may occur after childhood vaccinations. Children require lower doses than adults, which can vary based on their age and sometimes their weight. If you’re unsure about the appropriate dosage for your child, especially if they are significantly smaller or larger for their age, consult a doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Follow the dosage instructions exactly according to the package insert; never exceed the dosage amount, nor the maximum amount to be given in 24 hours. Panado, which has paracetamol as its main ingredient, has a range of products specially formulated for children. Use the table below to choose an appropriate product for your child’s age.
Topical anaesthetics applied directly to the skin at the vaccination site can be used to reduce pain in vaccination injections as a standard measure for children. This type of anaesthetic is widely used in medical and surgical procedures as well as prior to vaccination to lessen needle pain. They cause superficial loss of pain sensation after direct application.
If you have any concerns about how much pain your child is in, contact your doctor straight away. Don’t give your child pain medications for longer than a couple of days without speaking to a doctor.
CONTAINS PARACETAMOL
Panado® is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of mild-to-moderate pain and fever. Refer to the Professional Information / Patient Information Leaflet for full dosage and directions for use. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Do not use for more than 10 days without consulting your doctor. KEEP ALL MEDICINES OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. PANADO® PAEDIATRIC SYRUP 5ml Sachets are for single use only. Always administer using a medicine measure or a syringe. Discard the remaining contents of the sachet after administration of the correct dosage. S0 (Pack sizes of <25 tablets) S1 (Pack sizes of ≥ 25 tablets) Panado® Tablets. Each tablet contains Paracetamol 500 mg.
