Nervous Patients

Some individuals may be nervous about receiving an injection. You may find the following techniques helpful to try and manage their anxiety:

• Use distraction techniques such as chatting to them or encouraging them to do something on their phone. You could have a specific poster on the wall for them to look at to distract them.
• Maintain a calm demeanor to put them at ease and provide reassurance.
• Prepare the injection out of sight. 
• Be honest with them. Tell them tjhey will feel it but it will be over very quickly.

After the Vaccination

• Keep the patient seated for 5 minutes after vaccination to assess for any possible signs of anaphylactic reaction (WHO state that anaphylaxis can occur between 5-30 minutes).
• Use this time to record the following information.
  • The vaccine name, product name, batch number and expiry date.
  • The dose administered.
  • The site used.
  • The date of vaccination.
  • The name and signature of the person administering the vaccination.
• Advise the customer on the signs of allergic reaction and to contact the pharmacy if they have any of these signs or symptoms.
• Advise on how to treat possible pyrexia.