What are Sensory Friendly Vaccine Kits and How Can They Support Children with Behavioral and Healthcare Needs?

For much of the population, vaccination clinics can be a sensory-rich experience and present a barrier to vaccination.

People who experience sensory sensitivity or sensory overload can benefit from sensory-friendly experiences and environments. This may include children and youth with disability and behavioral concerns, including individuals living with autism, PTSD, or hearing loss. A 2019 meta-analysis indicated that sensory sensitivity is a major barrier to healthcare access for autistic individuals.

Sensory-friendly vaccine kits contain tools and strategies that can be used in vaccine clinics to create a more calming vaccine experience for patients. These kits contain a variety of different items designed to help provide distraction and teach useful coping skills.

Items included in each kit:

• Fidget toys (30+)
  • Fidget toys can help decrease anxiety by engaging the senses and serving as a distraction. Over 30 different toys are included in your kit that meet various sensory preferences.
• Buzzy stimulator
  • The Buzzy stimulator uses cold and mechanical stimulation on the arm to inhibit the pain of a needle injection.
• Noise-canceling headphones
  • Noise Canceling headphones help dampen the overwhelming sounds of a noisy clinic.
• Weighted blanket
  • Weighted blankets simulate deep pressure touch, which can help relax the user by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
• Coping strategies workbook
  • This book helps providers understand and implement strategies for helping children cope with the anxiety experienced during a clinic visit. A number of worksheets are also included for hands-on
    learning opportunities.
• Sanitizer
• Satisfaction survey, distrAction cards, & more!
  • A satisfaction survey is included so providers and patients/families can provide feedback on their experiences with the kits. Please complete the survey whenever kit items are used and encourage patients over 12 or parents/families of children under 12 to complete the survey!

Other tips and tricks for creating a sensory-friendly vaccine clinic environment:

• Remove bright and flashing lights
• Reduce noise
• Provide accessible bathrooms
• Welcome caregivers
• Provide snacks and water
• Develop clear and concise instructions 
• Create sensory-friendly hours