How to Reduce the Pain From Your HPV Shot
The Real Truth About Vaccines
Has someone scared you into thinking that the HPV vaccine is going to be more painful than other vaccines? Fortunately, that’s not true. Still, since it is a shot, you might want some tips to reduce the pain from your next HPV shot.
Is the HPV Vaccine More Painful Than Other Shots?
Fortunately, it is a myth that the HPV vaccine is more painful than other shots!
So where does that idea come from?
Some it is from anti-vaccine influencers, but even more of it may be from teens wanting to scare their friends who have an upcoming shot appointment!
Or older teens wanting to scare their younger siblings…
Pain from HPV vaccination, while commonly reported by parents, was less frequent compared to other adolescent vaccines and did not appear to affect vaccine regimen completion.
How much will it hurt? HPV vaccine side effects and influence on completion of the three-dose regimen
What does hurt?
It hurts to think that there are many women who are now at high-risk to get HPV infections and cervical cancer simply because they went to a pediatrician who didn’t believe in giving HPV vaccines…
How to Reduce the Pain From Your HPV Shot
Still, even though the HPV vaccine isn’t more painful than other shots, pain is a side effect after getting any shot.
So to reduce pain from your HPV shot, or any other vaccine, you might:
do something to get distracted while you are getting the shot, such as by using guided imagery (have them build your home in Minecraft), or by listening to music or watching your favorite video, etc.
take slow, deep breaths in and out or use one of many breathing exercises to help you relax
drop your shoulder and completely relax the deltoid muscle where you are likely getting the shot, understanding that a shot ends up hurting more if it goes into a tense muscle!
if you are very anxious, you might consider asking if a numbing cream can be applied at the site before the shot is given
consider gently rubbing or massaging the area after the shot
after the shot, if you have pain, place an ice pack or a cool compress (a wet rag or wash cloth) over the area for ten minutes at least three times a day
if necessary, take an age appropriate dose of a pain reliever
And if it does hurt, know that the pain should be temporary, going away in a few days.
How to Reduce the Risk of Fainting After Your HPV Shot
What about if you are worried about fainting?
Wait, you can faint after getting a vaccine?!?
Yes, it is not uncommon for teens and young adults to faint after getting a vaccine or a blood draw. That’s why we routinely have you sit in a chair or lay down while getting your vaccines and for 15 minutes after.
Know that fainting is not specific to the HPV vaccine though.
And to reduce your risk of fainting, you might:
have a snack and drink a full glass of water before your vaccine - this will hopefully prevent the vasovagal response that likely triggers fainting during medical procedures
try the muscle tension technique, “an exercise that involves alternating between tensing and releasing muscles in the body (e.g., legs, stomach)” while getting your vaccine, and while you are being observed after, to increase your blood pressure. Just don’t tense the muscle where you are getting the shot, and after tensing your muscles for 10 to 15 seconds, release them to a normal state for 20 to 30 seconds, but don’t overly relax them.
And if you faint, as long as you didn’t hit your head, understand that it is typically a normal response to getting a vaccine or having your blood drawn. Lay down until you feel better, until you can slowly get up and go home after you have been cleared by medical providers.
More on HPV Vaccines
Is the HPV Vaccine a Savior or the Most Dangerous Vaccine Ever Made?
Can You Spot the Propaganda in This Post About HPV Vaccines and Cervical Cancer?
Is Del Bigtree Excited That More Women Will Get Cervical Cancer?
Technically Speaking: Tools for Addressing Pain and Fear of Needles During Vaccinations
Technically Speaking: Preventing Fainting and Associated Injuries After Vaccination