Taking the sting out of school-based immunizations

Pain and fear widely contribute to negative experiences for students during school-based immunizations. In this preliminary research, we used a pre-existing network of 50 schools across Canada that participated in a biannual national immunization poster competition for grade 6 students organized by Immunize Canada to survey principals, teachers and students about their experiences with immunization pain and fear, how they want to learn about managing pain and fear and opportunities to include this information in the process of immunization. Responses revealed that both pain and fear are relevant to the immunization experience and that education and interventions are welcome by students and school staff. This may lead to improved attitudes about immunization, as well as future compliance with recommended immunizations.