Fear of needles is common, but there is something we can do about it
Fear of needles is common. It affects people of any age, children, adults and older adults, males, females and any educational background. Although many people are reluctant to admit it, needle fears are very common in adults. Approximately 1 in 10 have a high level of needle fear. People with needle fears frequently avoid healthcare, including vaccinations. Even when everything is done to make needles as comfortable as possible, those with high level of needle fear may still refuse or avoid vaccinations.
I remember when I was a child, I was terrified of needles. Even going to the doctor’s office was scary because it reminded me of the injections. But nowadays there are so many strategies that scientists have developed and tested. Strategies that can be used to decrease the pain and anxiety around needles. I’ll tell you what happened to me and my fears of needles.
Pain during vaccination is an important concern across all age groups. Not everbody is afraid of needle pain, I know that! But I will be very happy if this article can help those who are afraid of taking a vaccine because of the possibility of discomfort during the shot.
There are various strategies that are evidence-based to decrease the discomfort of vaccination pain
“ It doesn’t have to hurt”
Let s start by learning how can we make vaccinations more comfortable for babies and children.
First, you can apply a numbing cream to the skin to dull the pain from the needle. These are usually available at your local pharmacy. You may apply 30 to 60 minutes prior to the injection. Avoid using the patch as it hurts when taking off like removing a bandage. Talk to your pharmacist about how to obtain these creams, they usually do not need a doctor’s prescription.
Second, if it is allowed, ask the child to blow bubbles to distract them, while they are doing this, there is deep breathing that helps to reduce pain.
Third, for babies, breastfeed right before or during the needle, preferably during. If that is not possible, you may offer sucrose water before the needle.
Fourth, use a comfort position for the child. It is best to sit upright, with the child on the parent s lap and be held in a hug either facing the parent or to the side. Avoid lying down because it creates a sense of loss of control.
Fifth, remember distraction, watching a video on your phone or listening to music is excellent.
And sixth, Don’t say “It will be okay!” or “It will be over soon!” instead give them options and distract with conversation. You may ask: “What do you want to eat tonight?” or “What do you want to do after this?” or “Where do you wanna go?”, or “What do you want to play?” to keep them distracted and thinking about what is going to happen when the needle finishes.
Parents usually avoid telling their children that they will go for vaccinations, and only tell them in the last minute. This is not a good practice, as it only makes them feel more anxious and increases distrust in the parents and also in the doctors. After the poke, talk to your child about what went well. This will help them to get ready for the next time. Plan something fun to do afterwards.
If your child or you are so afraid of needles that you try to avoid them at all costs, you may benefit from a psychological therapy called exposure-based therapy delivered by a trained mental health professional. You may ask your healthcare provider where to find this kind of therapy in your area.
Now, let s talk about how to make vaccinations more comfortable for adults.
First, if you are afraid of needles, you may ask questions so you know what will happen exactly. Think ahead about what strategies you will use to manage your fear and pain.
Second, you may apply a numbing cream to the skin to dull the pain from the needle. These are usually available at your local pharmacy. You may apply 30 to 60 minutes before the needle.
Third, ensure that you are seated in a comfortable position.
Fourth, take deep breaths and relax your arm.
Fifth, distract yourself, maybe watching a video on your phone, or telling a story of what happened to you on the last travel for vacation that you went on.
Sixth, if you have a history of feeling dizzy or fainting, use muscle tension, for example, squeeze your legs together, or if possible, ask to take the vaccine lying down. This is how you do the muscle tension technique. You sit or lie down and tighten your arm, leg and stomach muscles for about 15 seconds until your cheeks feel flush. Then release tension for 20 to 30 seconds (without fully relaxing) before tensing again and repeating until the needle is over or you stop feeling faint.
Last, I would like to give you some strategies for individuals with high levels of needle fear. That is called trypanophobia.
Avoidance makes fear worse!
That is why exposure based therapy is a treatment that helps people confront their fears in a supportive way. Sometimes it only takes one session for significant improvement! Exposure-based therapy can be conducted either in person, through a computer-based techniques or one s own imagination. While some people are able to confront their fears on their own, talk to your family doctor or you can find a psychologist that will help you with exposure based therapy.
I am a living proof that these strategies work. For over 20 years now I’ve been practicing these strategies myself, and they work. Now, I am able to receive vaccines and get blood tests without any discomfort.
I know that being less fearful of needles myself made it easier for my children to get their own needles. Our children sense when we are calm, and they learn from us how to cope with stressful situations in life.
This article is not intended to give you medical advice. Please talk to your physician or healthcare professional if you have any health issue. If you leave a comment about your own medical condition, I will not be able to provide you medical advice. But, please, leave a comment if you feel that this article has helped you to get more comfortable with needles, injections and vaccines.
This article was done in collaboration with the Solutions for Kids in Pain SKIP — a Canadian knowledge mobilization network. Since undertreated and preventable pain can lead to avoiding necessary healthcare, including vaccinations, in the future, SKIP is on a mission to improve children s pain management by mobilizing evidence-based solutions through co-ordination and collaboration. Visit their website here: www.kidsinpain.ca
This article is available as a YouTube video on my channel https://youtu.be/1XoGUTbFOtI
