Parents often discover at the clinic that a child is more unsettled by needles than expected.
Pharmacist Audrey Amos notes to Medical News Today that planning the visit, agreeing on who will accompany the child, discussing the procedure calmly, and keeping the lead-up unrushed, can reduce tension.
She adds that practical choices, such as wearing clothing that allows easy access to the arm and ensuring the child has eaten and stayed hydrated, help create a sense of control.
For children with a strong fear of needles, some physicians may suggest additional support after reviewing the child’s history.
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Understanding the physical response
Brief dizziness or fainting can resemble side effects, but Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports indicate these episodes are generally anxiety-related.
In a 2021 briefing cited by Medical News Today, CDC official Tom Shimabukuro noted that vasovagal reactions, temporary drops in blood pressure triggered by stress, occur more often among adolescents, who tend to show a heightened physiological response during medical procedures.
Though clinicians say these reactions pass quickly and rarely require treatment.
What health authorities recommend
According to WHO’s 2016 guidance, most anxiety-related reactions appear within the first 15 minutes after vaccination, particularly in school-aged children.
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The organization advises keeping vaccination areas cool and orderly and allowing patients who feel faint to lie down and breathe steadily until symptoms ease.
Many clinics now explain the steps of the appointment in advance, a practice experts say helps families feel prepared and lowers overall stress levels.
Sources: Medical News Today, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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