As she lined up for her first COVID-19 vaccine shot at a Laval, Que., vaccination centre, six-year-old Lea Strazza was a little apprehensive. Along with a therapy dog, colourful balloons and a huge inflatable slide, children also have the option of putting on a virtual reality headset to play a game while getting their shot. Distraction to take the edge offThe virtual reality headset, developed by Montreal-based startup Paperplane Therapeutics, is intended to be used by patients with severe burns or fractures who are undergoing more painful procedures. Distraction can be a powerful tool to break through that fear, he says, especially with an immersive experience like virtual reality. "Virtual reality is just one way that you can reduce pain in kids," she said.

Source: CBC News December 19, 2021 15:23 UTC