About two-thirds of children and one-quarter of adults report having a fear of needles, ranging from mild to severe, according to a recent Canadian Psychological Association study. About 5% of people have an extreme fear – or phobia – of needles.
Grey Bruce Public Health has compiled some resources aimed at assisting people who may experience needle fear, anxiety, or pain.
Learn about Needle Phobia in Children and Youth.
The CARD System provides strategies that can be used to help cope before and during vaccination. The system consists of resources such as videos and handouts that can be used to help cope before and during vaccination. The system consists of resources such as videos and handouts that will help to prepare you and your child for a vaccination.
For comfort strategies for all ages, visit Comfort Measures to Reduce Pain.
Anxiety Canada features information about Anxiety in Youth. The Facing Fears section, includes “how to” steps to reducing fears for many issues including needles.
Additional resources to address needle-related fear and needle-related fainting:
Needle-related fainting
Needle Fear: When it gets in the way
Public Health has also created a resource on Preparing Your Child for Vaccination.
Check out these videos. They sound like the young people at our clinic who have made progress getting injections is more manageable now.
For families with children and teens
For families with babies
School Vaccinations – The CARD™ System: Play your power CARD
Vaccines are the best way to protect ourselves from many serious diseases. However, getting a needle may be painful and stressful. Check out our helpful tips to make immunizations easier.
To use numbing cream Place numbing cream patch over IM injection site 30-60 minutes before immunization is received (check instructions on cream you have). Helpful tips to make immunizations easier.
To practice getting more comfortable with needles, try making yourself a “fear ladder.” Download a blank fear ladder, with an example; and practice photos and videos.
Sample Needle Fear Ladder
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