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

[Wimp2021]

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? 😔

Also it’s nothing like a blood test at all, blood tests are 10xworse. This is a quick prick you don’t even actually feel.

After it’s done you will find the whole build up to it....knowing it’s coming, was way worse than the actual injection!

Phobias are cruel that way really!

Definitely tell them, if you're going to a vaccination centre look at the person who takes your details not the nurse.
I hate needles but it was so quick I barely had time to blink, worst bit was the nurse's cold hands, bless her, she was frozen

DH has been vaccinating for months and has had any number of people come in and say they were phobic, but every single one of them has had it. No one has bolted! Even they have got a few people out of the car, who were refusing to come in, but were talked round. I think its just all so matter of fact that people just get on with it in the end. Its a busy environment and there is no hanging about. In - sit down - answer a few questions - which arm? - right your done - congratulations. Oh and no one has fainted either. You've got this - good luck

@Wimp2021 I have a needle phobia. By the time I'd rolled my sleeve up and babbled at the nurse about how scared I was, it was done. I didn't feel a thing, not even a scratch. You'll be good!

Thank you everyone. It really helps to know what happens so I'm prepared.

I know no one likes needles, but it's not just finding it unpleasant, it's a genuine phobia that I have little control over. I really do appreciate those who understand that, thank you

I will definitely tell them as soon as I get there, and I'll make sure I look away. I know I'll feel amazing after for having gone through it.

Hi I had my 2nd jab today. Really didn't hurt.
I was diagnosed needle phobic as a child due to having literally hundreds of very painful interventions as part of medical treatment, I was awful in my teens but still had to have blood tests regularly etc. I had no choice but to have them. for me it was life saving treatment so I learnt to deal with it.
My tips look away, chat to the person giving it they will be smiling and perky as actually it's a bit of a fun gig and such a positive thing, it literally takes 3 seconds so deep breathing and relax your arm ( make it go floppy). Wear easy access top so you are not struggling or getting flustered.
You will be ok you will get through it and it's for the greater good , remember why you are having it.
And this one does not hurt it's a tiny needle and very quick!

Tell the staff. Needles make DS faint.
FWIW, I had mine the other day and the needle is so fine you barely feel it. Nothing like the needle for taking blood samples. More like an acupuncture needle. It felt thin as a hair. I just looked in the opposite direction the whole time. (All 0.5 of a second!)

Do tell them. And don't look. And talk to the staff and thank them for such a great job they are doing and ask them how busy they've been. Anything as a distraction.

But honestly, I'm sure they are using tiny needles for this because I felt so little, and I don't know anyone who did. So, please don't worry.

How did you get on, OP?