About one in every 4 – 5 adults has a fear of getting injections or blood drawn — so you have lots of company if this is you! It is more common < 40 yrs, and among women. It is often associated with feeling sweaty, dry mouth, shortness of breath, nausea, or (near-)fainting. Chances are, you know this fear is unreasonable; and you are three times more likely to have had a traumatic injection experience in the past.
So, you know you need vaccines – what do you do?
- Tell us about your fear! Things we can do:
- Give injections while you are lying down, if you always faint (we don’t like head injuries)
- Prepare your vaccines before you enter the room to have them given
- Keep you out of the room if others in your group or family are getting injections
- Remind you to look away
- Keep the muscle relaxed: put your hand on your hip!
- Use distractions
- Visual:
- Focus on a poster on the wall
- View a little video on your smart phone
- Visual:
- Auditory:
- Bring your ear buds and music
- Tell the nurse a story or get her/him to tell you one
- Sensory:
- Ask for the “buzzy bee” that gives a gentle vibration on your arm – it helps!
- Use self-soothing methods
- Slow and regular breathing
- Close your eyes and picture your “happy place”
