Lidocaine before vaccines

Hi, I work in healthcare and have a six month old. Our company provides UpToDate, an app with “up to date” clinical recommendations for providers. I read in it where they recommend lidocaine topical gel on the skin 30-60 minutes before vaccination. We did it before 6 month shots and IT WAS A GAME CHANGER.

I put baby in a onesie in his carrier and applied to his thighs when we got to the waiting room. We were called back and triaged and placed in the room. Then the provider came and completed her exam. Then she left the room while the nurse prepped the vaccines. By the time the nurse got back, it had been 30 minutes. I held him on my lap to entertain him to pass the time and make sure he didn’t mess with the topical lidocaine. She gave the injections with him on my lap and he barely felt a thing!

We used it for vaccine only RSV and Covid appointments as well. I put him in a onesie and put it on his thigh during the commute - I had grandma sit in the back with him to make sure he didn’t touch his thigh. We got there and wait the last 10 of the 30 minutes. He stays in his carrier while the nurse gives the vaccine. He doesn’t feel it at all, or maybe slightly if the vaccine itself is a large amount or stings. He recovers very quickly.

The nurse was amazed and asked the doctor about it. She now wants to do it for her son who is four and other kids at the clinic.

I just wanted to share if it could help anyone. I also have the recommendation in UpToDate screenshot, but this sub doesn’t allow photos…

In my experience, the compounded lidocaine from a pharmacy works better than over the counter lidocaine (if your provider will call in a prescription).

edit: photos of UpToDate will post in the comments! A lot of providers have access to UpToDate if you want to reference if you want to ask for a prescription for compounded lidocaine