The Renfrew County and District Health Unit is letting residents know that fainting is not uncommon in youth after they’ve received a vaccination.
The RCDHU says vaccination teams have seen a few instances of individuals feeling faint or fainting after vaccination in the region’s younger populations.
The health unit says a vasovagal syncope episode (commonly known as fainting) is usually triggered by pain and/or anxiety and not by the vaccine itself, causing a sudden drop in the individual’s heart rate and blood pressure. Fainting usually occurs during immunization or within minutes of immunization.
The individual may complain of feeling faint or light-headed, then suddenly become pale, lose consciousness and collapse to the ground.
While fainting itself isn’t considered serious, RCDHU wants to prevent injuries that could occur if someone were to fall.
Doctor Robert Cushman, the Acting Medical Officer of Health with the RCDHU says fainting is recognized as a reaction that can occur with any type of vaccination.
Cushman says the main concern when these situations occur is the possibility of head injury from hitting the floor.
He adds clinic teams are doing as much as they can to prevent this from occurring and says it’s important that people let the vaccinators know if they’ve ever had a similar experience with other vaccinations or if they feel strange in the moments post-vaccination.
Parents or guardians should inform the vaccinator of any previous fainting associated with vaccination.
The RCDHU says it can also be important for parents or guardians to ensure that children arrive for their vaccine well hydrated with a full stomach and that they assist in keeping children calm and relaxed during the vaccination appointment and to watch for any signs of fainting in the minutes that follow.
Health care professionals who routinely administer vaccinations can help reduce the likelihood of fainting among those receiving the vaccine by taking a few precautionary actions such as:
- Giving patients a beverage, snack, or reassurance about the procedure.
- Having the person sit or lie down to prevent falls and injuries.
- Having the person breathe slowly and deeply before the procedure and encourage thinking of something relaxing.
- Utilizing distraction methods like asking the person questions or having a friendly conversation while doing the procedure.