John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
As the flu shot line at Menlo Park City School District's vaccine clinic lengthened, concerns among children grew. However, the atmosphere shifted when kids saw their peers engaged in video games and virtual reality (VR) activities inside Hillview Middle School's Performing Arts Center.
A volunteer from Stanford Chariot Program introduced Nicole, a third-grader with allergies and past anxieties about needles, to VR technology. Her mother, Michelle Fong, expressed relief: “It’s brutal for parents, especially when you have kids with needle fears.” With a VR headset on, Nicole immersed herself in a game where she blasted cheeseburgers in space while receiving her vaccine without distress. “I am so proud of myself,” she later said. “I didn’t cry and I didn’t even feel the shot!”
The Stanford Chariot Program has developed various apps aimed at easing children's anxiety during medical procedures. Thomas Caruso of Stanford Medicine Children’s Health stated that these applications are designed to make painful experiences more bearable: “We’re building these positive experiences to prevent vaccine hesitation.”
During the four-hour clinic organized by MPCSD, Safeway clinicians administered 561 vaccines. Pharmacist Sara Sharkas noted a change in behavior due to the distraction provided by Chariot’s tools: “I thought that kids who have a strong fear of needles have a fear of needles no matter what... But I was really surprised to see that they’re genuinely distracted.”
The Chariot team also showcased Buddy Guard, a vibrating device paired with video games like Whack-A-Chicken to reduce injection pain through vibrations. The device is currently under study at Packard Children’s Hospital.
This event marked the third collaboration between MPCSD and the Chariot team. Nurse Lianne Jemelian praised their impact: “The Chariot Program has been amazing and a true gift for our students.” Parents also appreciated this initiative; Heather Freeland observed her daughter playing VR games without flinching during vaccination.
Jemelian plans future clinics to emphasize student health priorities within the district. She noted positive feedback from parents who experienced less traumatic visits thanks to these innovations.
At Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Stanford Medicine Children’s Health employs VR headsets and other technologies for therapeutic purposes across various procedures.
Chariot Program has expanded its reach by distributing Buddy Bases across seven Bay Area clinics and licensing software through Invincikids non-profit organization worldwide.
“The Stanford Chariot Program is a community program,” Caruso emphasized regarding their mission supported entirely by community contributions.
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