How do you make shots hurt less?

Answer 1

As far as flu shots and any other injection. After a flu shot years ago that I did not feel whatsoever, I asked the tech that gave it to me what the secret was? She said that when the area is cleaned with alcohol, she let the alcohol completely evaporate before puncturing the skin. Because it's the alcohol being taken into the "wound" that hurts. I have had this conversation every time since, to see if the person administering the injection was aware and it is surprising how many aren't. But if done properly, it makes a difference.

I hope this is what was being looked for and helps.

Answer 2

Tell the patient to relax the arm as much as possible. The needle should be inserted quickly with the bevel up. Avoid touching the tip of the needle to the inside of the cap before the injection to assure starting with the sharpest point possible. Then the vaccine should be injected slowly so the least muscle fibers as possible are damaged by the vaccine being inserted into the tissue.

A trick that some nurses use is to touch the patient (or have someone else touch them or gently pinch them) in another location just as the needle is inserted. The brain has trouble receiving the message of pain from the nerves from two places at the same time, so the sensation of pain can be reduced using this method.

Other distractions also can help, especially children. Swab alcohol on an opposite site of the body and then have the child blow on that spot. It will feel cold and help keep them from focusing on the injection. See link to tips below in the related links section for more tips.

There is also a new form of vaccine that is administered intradermally and is very good for the needle-averse patient. It does not hurt as much when this tiny (90% smaller) needle is used. See more in the related question below.

Answer 3

Tell the patient to relax the arm as much as possible. The needle should be inserted quickly with the bevel up. Avoid touching the tip of the needle to the inside of the cap before the injection to assure starting with the sharpest point possible. Then the vaccine should be injected slowly so the least muscle fibers as possible are damaged by the vaccine being inserted into the tissue.

A trick that some nurses use is to touch the patient (or have someone else touch them or gently pinch them) in another location just as the needle is inserted. The brain has trouble receiving the message of pain from the nerves from two places at the same time, so the sensation of pain can be reduced using this method.

Other distractions also can help, especially children. Swab alcohol on an opposite site of the body and then have the child blow on that spot. It will feel cold and help keep them from focusing on the injection.

More suggestions from contributors:

You can also take some Tylenol or ibuprofen about 30 minutes before you get the shot.

It also helps to heavily rub or pinch the area that is about to receive the injection, a few seconds before it is done. This will help redirect the nerves and the poke won't seem so bad.

Don't look at the needle.

Instead of thinking about "I'm about to get a shot" think more positive affirmations such as "this will not hurt" or "this is no big deal" and don't doubt yourself. Your thoughts control your brain, your brain controls your body - you can tell it what to think.

Breathe out while the shot is being administered.


Bring your MP3 player, music helps distract the mind.

Talk with someone during the procedure as a distraction. Talk about current projects, goals, life changes. Anything that can get your brain off the subject at hand.

Sing a song in your head or out loud and focus on being relaxed. It will be over before you know it!

Answer 4

What makes it hurt is the pointy tip. When it pierces your skin, that's what makes it hurt. Afterwards, it may be sore. That's because the vaccine enters your body.