Question on Use of EMLA Cream for Vaccinations

Another technique is to give your daughter something sweet to suck on. Like a sugar cube or some jelly beans. Or give her a cookie as soon as the shots are done. Not only is it a positive association, a study was done demonstrating that giving kids glucose tabs as they were getting their shots dramatically reduced crying time. And my daughter (4) is so conditioned to get a cookie that she doesn't even make a peep when she gets her shots. Remember how we used to get lollipops at the doctors when we were kids? They were on to something...Good luck! Shots are never fun, but they don't have to be terrible!

Emla cream numbs the skin. I do believe that it may help as the needle goes through the skin, but if you notice that when babies get vaccines it appears that their cries are delayed. The reason for this is that the pain is not from the prick it is from the liquid opening up a space in the muscle. This pain cannot be solved with emla cream.
I am a nurse and a mother of three children.

Hi- I had a lot of electrology done on my arms year ago (very dark and long hair) and used EMLA all the time. The longer you put it on the more numb you get. I would put a layer on the area to be treated about an hour before my appointment and then wrap plastic wrap over the cream. It would get more numb with the plastic wrap and kept the cream from getting all over my clothes. I don't think you would do that with a baby - probably just a bit of the cream 30 minutes before. I did use it on my daughter for a few vaccines. The nurse thought I was crazy but I didn't care - she cried less.

Just so you know, you do not need a prescription to buy it from CVS. They have it behind the counter so you just have to ask. Most pharmacies only carry the small tubes (which is what you would want). I wanted the larger tubes because I was doing a large area and about 7 years ago the big tube was $50. Not cheap but well worth it. Good luck!

I asked my pediatrician about it and they refused and said they don't do that. I have no idea why though.

We don't do any vaccinations but I have been thinking about using it for my son when they do the blood test for lead levels. Sounds like it really works! If your doctor won't give you the EMLA, you could probably just try OTC lidocaine of some sort. I don't believe in shots, but if kids are having them, they should at least be made more comfortable.

Hi M., I used to use that when my son needed vaccinations and it works really well. It numbs the skin so they don't feel the shot as much. I definetely recommend it. It makes it so much easier for them. It's harder on us moms when our babies need shots. lol But seriously, it does work very well.
Good luck.
B.

I work in dermatology and we use and recommend EMLA all the time. I used it for my son when he went to get him own vaccines. It works well as long as you follow the directions. You don't want to go overboard applying it, more is not better. Also, apply is 20-30 minutes before the shots are administered. You don't want it left on too long. Good luck!