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Original poster

I'm needle phobic and have my vaccine on Monday!

34 replies

Wimp2021 · 27/03/2021 20:44

I am absolutely terrified of needles and generally tend to avoid them at all costs. But I know how important this is, I'm at higher risk so need to get it done but I'm so scared. My heart is pounding just typing this. Does anyone have any tips to get me through? 😔

OP posts:

StrumpersPlunkett · 27/03/2021 20:47

tell them as soon as you walk in.
My husband faints at the sight of needles.
They stood between him and his arm so he couldnt see the needle and they were delightful with him distracting him and making light conversation.

You arent alone, they will know what to do.

MissConductUS · 27/03/2021 20:47

Tell the staff when you get there, just acknowledging your fear can help you work through it.

How have you managed it in the past?

GCAcademic · 27/03/2021 20:51

Tell them when you get there. Needles make me faint. The lady doing the vaccination took me through to a cubicle that had a bed in so I could lie down and was great at distracting me by chatting. The staff could not have been nicer.

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Original poster

Wimp2021 · 27/03/2021 20:51

I'll tell them when I get there, thank you.

The last time I had a vaccination in the past was as a child and I had to be pinned down for it. I have had blood tests when pregnant, but they'd sometimes take an hour or two to do. Obviously I know I have to pull myself together for the vaccine, I do know that. I just feel physically sick just typing this

OP posts:

Undertheoldlindentree · 27/03/2021 20:52

They will help you. I'm similar to you and forced myself to go as would mean many more needles if I got Covid. I told them about it and they didn't show me the needle. I turned away while they doing it and the nurse chatted about holidays... and suddenly it was done and I was walking out! Plan a nice takeaway coffee or little treat for yourself afterwards.

Undertheoldlindentree · 27/03/2021 21:02

Just seen your update,...honestly, I was the same with bloodtests while pregnant. I've even run away out of the surgery before. .
But vaccinations are easier because it's into the side of your upper arm and much quicker. The needle is tiny and only feels like a scratch (or when I had my flu jab, nothing at all). You can do this and will probably be on a high with relief and pride for the rest of the day!

reallyisthisallthereis · 27/03/2021 21:03

if it helps to know, I didn't see the needle and in fact I barely felt it and had to double check she'd actually done it. I'm not bothered about injections but this has to be one of the least painful ever. in fact I go as far as to say not painful at all.

Krazynights34 · 27/03/2021 21:03

Exactly as pp said - don’t look at it!
They will help you.
It really doesn’t hurt - it’s straight into the muscle so less noticeable than say taking blood.

ekidmxcl · 27/03/2021 21:05

Tell them.
They may put you to the front of the queue if you are struggling. They did when I took my sf in as he was struggling.

Kbear · 27/03/2021 21:09

If it helps - and I hope it does- it takes two seconds, it's not a needle in like a blood test and then wait, it's in then straight out, a tiny needle and i didn't even realise it was done if I'm honest. Try to be strong and keep calm - look at the other people in the hall or wherever you are, no one is reacting to it because it doesn't hurt and it's over in a flash. Good luck!

MrsMcGarry · 27/03/2021 21:10

I’m not needle phobic but I genuinely did not feel the covid vaccination when I had it a few weeks ago.

Nearlyneverready · 27/03/2021 21:12

I’m scared of needles, and I told them when I had mine done. I also didn’t feel it, and has to check that it had actually been done.

midsomermurderess · 27/03/2021 21:15

I didn't feel a thing when I got mine. I didn't see anything or feel anything. Tell them obviously, but there is nothing at all to be scared of.

Miljea · 27/03/2021 21:17

Don't confuse iv needles and vaccinations.

An iv (intravenous) needle has to slide into a vein, and is for a purpose; either giving you something or taking blood. Both of which take a bit of time.

A vaccination needle is tiny and short and is in you for about a second.

You've probably done yourself way more damage with a sewing needle!

Clymene · 27/03/2021 21:17

I didn't see it or feel it

crankysaurus · 27/03/2021 21:18

Definitely tell them, you really won't be the only one. Maybe also wear a shirt sleeved tee-shirt and cardigan for minimal faffing around getting your upper arm out, and look the other direction.

JustHereWithPopcorn · 27/03/2021 21:18

Same here OP so I feel too. Had mine Wednesday told them when I got there but I spent a while faffing about working myself up holding back the tears. Luckily I had some very lovely women who had complete patience with me. It was so quick and easy I did feel a little embarrassed afterwards as I had worked myself up so much but we just can't help it and they do understand. You can do this

RiaOverTheRainbow · 27/03/2021 21:20

You can often only register one source of pain at once, so if you can bite your finger or stand on your toe (either would easily hurt more than the jab) then you really won't feel it. And definitely reward yourself with after!

Morechocmorechoc · 27/03/2021 21:22

If you get there and think you can't then just remember how many more needles you'd need if you got seriously ill with covid. No words to help with the fear, I feel it too. Its over very fast is the only comfort I get.

TDogsInHats · 27/03/2021 21:22

It's probably too late to ask your GP for calming meds, but perhaps you could for the follow up vaccine.
Also, take two paracetamol prophylaxisly at least half an hour before your appointment.
Phobia is real but it's brilliant that you know the importance of this particular vaccine.

Chloemol · 27/03/2021 21:25

Let them know, but when I went you go into a cubicle with seats, they used my left arm as I am right handed. You sit looking forward and they are to your left, ask you a few questions then do the jab, as you are looking forward and they are slightly behind you you don’t see anything and it’s really quick.

I am pretty sure most centres work in the same way

My nephew had a letter from his dr as his arm needed numbing first, they were so so helpful about it, and I am sure they are used to people with needle phobias

I0NA · 27/03/2021 21:25

It’s NOTHING like getting a blood test as a PP said. It’s very very quick and it’s a tiny needle, you will hardly feel it.

Magnificentmug12 · 27/03/2021 21:26

Big tip! Tell them as your walking through the door!!!

I’m actually ok with needles now since a very bad stint in hopistal but I do still get “the pre fear” mildly. I walked in and sat down then he fired loads of questions at me, he was fast paced so I was answering faced pace back and I didn’t even see the nurse standing beside me putting a needle in my arm!! I jumped as I didn’t know someone else was in the room as I was looking at him. It caused a tiny bit of bruising where I jumped, and it shocked the poor nurse but to be honest it was all like lightning fast so I didn’t have time to actually get that scared.....worked out quite well unexpectedly 😂

Dongdingdong · 27/03/2021 21:28

I don’t know anyone who isn’t wary of needles and finds it a very unpleasant experience Seriously, if children can get their routine jabs then so can everyone else. Stop making it into a big deal and get on with it is my advice.

minniemoll · 27/03/2021 21:29

When I went, there were two nurses, I was chatting to the one taking my details, the other lifted my sleeve up and warned me that her hands were cold. I felt her fingers, then was amazed when she said it was done - I literally didn't feel a thing! And as she was slightly behind me, I didn't see anything either.

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