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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Cant get the vaccine

34 replies

GrinchnotHinch · 04/01/2021 23:57

This is not an anti-vax post just to start off before I get a flaming.

On my social media there is a lot of people being very aggressive with how they’re telling everyone to get the vaccine or they’re being selfish. I would be willing to sit and try to get it, but I have probably one of the worst needle phobias you could imagine

No nurse has ever been willing to vaccinate me since my last school jab (which I got by my arm being strapped down and an adult sat on my chest), we’ve tried and failed. I become so distressed they say point blank that they won’t do it.

I’m scared of getting Covid and I’m scared of the backlash from everyone, I’m scared of not being able to travel and go back to “normal”.

Will there be any kind of exceptions for people who can’t get it do you think? I’m more than willing to be frequently tested, or do anything to prove I’m not being purposely obtuse. Is there anyone else in a similar position?

OP posts:

yankeedoodledandee · 04/01/2021 23:59

Will there be any kind of exceptions for people who can’t get it do you think?

What kind of exceptions do you mean?

Bluetonic41 · 05/01/2021 00:02

Some people have mild sedation for minor procedures - smears, blood tests etc, can you just not have that before the jab? Seems a bit extreme but you may find you and your families social life is severely affected otherwise.

FoxyTheFox · 05/01/2021 00:02

The vaccine won't be compulsory, although you might find some countries make it a condition of entry unless medically exempt but if that was the case you could get a letter of exemption on the grounds of severe anxiety.

MajesticWhine · 05/01/2021 00:02

Have you tried a treatment for needle phobia. Treated in IAPT services (if you live in England). Ask your GP.

ApplePie86 · 05/01/2021 00:02

I doubt it.

It's not going to be mandatory but if you ever want to travel abroad some countries may insist you've had it.

jeaux90 · 05/01/2021 00:04

They can't make you have it.

You might have to live with the restrictions that may bring though.

I had my flu vaccine before Christmas, I didn't feel it.

The thing is an aversion to needles is something you probably need to try and get over.

Counselling or hypnosis?

Theunamedcat · 05/01/2021 00:05

Valium up if you really want the vaccine ive just had three teeth out on valium High as a kite I was it kept me in the chair which is a bloody miracle

PickAChew · 05/01/2021 00:06

I have 2 immunisation refusers in my household. Both autistic. One has already become reclusive and piled on a ton of weight and covid is not the immediate worry I have for his health. The younger one has refused the flu spray twice, now, but I did manage to gently desensitise him enough for a covid test, before Christmas when he developed a cough.

They are also both mask refusers which has made shops and public transport a thing of the past for both of them.

More lightheartedly (because I know this is a massive worry for you and I know there are arseholes on this site waiting to be just plain unkind), though, maybe one of the vets they recruit to do the vaccinations would be game. I mean, they can give a cat a pill x

time4anothername · 05/01/2021 00:07

like another poster said, why not use this as a motivation to get treatment for you needle phobia? Corona vaccine or not, surely your life would be better with the phobia? IAPT if in England, they will happily treat you for it.

Original poster

GrinchnotHinch · 05/01/2021 00:07

@yankeedoodledandee

Will there be any kind of exceptions for people who can’t get it do you think?

What kind of exceptions do you mean?

I mean for things that will potentially require proof of the vaccine and also to be honest for the social backlash, I’m worried about people being angry at me

OP posts:

parietal · 05/01/2021 00:07

I have needle phobia. I hate even reading articles on the vaccine because they so often have great big pictures of needles at the top.

I'm also a psychologist, and I know that it is possible to manage any phobia. you don't have to get over it, but you can learn to live with it such that you can manage medical procedures like a vaccine. Do look into getting therapy of some kind that can help you manage this.

PickAChew · 05/01/2021 00:08

And, more seriously, as others have said, a sedative might get you through it - plus numbing cream at the injection site.

Original poster

GrinchnotHinch · 05/01/2021 00:10

I have 2 immunisation refusers in my household. Both autistic. I am also autistic I wonder if it’s relevant somehow.

If they can get a vet to do it I’m all paws in

OP posts:

PastMyBestBeforeDate · 05/01/2021 00:10

A fuckton of diazepam might do it. I have it prescribed for a medical procedure that I have to have regularly.

Original poster

GrinchnotHinch · 05/01/2021 00:12

I have tried therapy in the past, I think it was progressive exposure? Something like that? It was a long time ago and went really badly. I’m not susceptible to hypnosis but I wish I was.

I’m so willing to try any therapy that would work, this phobia rules my life in many ways I’d give anything to be rid of it. If I see even a photo or drawing of a needle I hyperventilate

OP posts:

Original poster

GrinchnotHinch · 05/01/2021 00:13

Also willing to take a fuck tonne of tablets if it knocks me out enough! If that’s an option they’ll allow

OP posts:

Alternista · 05/01/2021 00:15

As someone else said, I’d self refer via IAPT and see if you can get some more therapy. Living with the phobia under control would be so much less stressful long term :)

Or, yes- valium!

LadyJaye · 05/01/2021 00:18

I developed a needle phobia following a pretty horrific blood gas procedure in my early 20s. When I say 'needle phobia', I don't mean that I just hated injections - I would literally pass out. I ended up having to have a tooth, which could probably have been preserved, removed because I was too terrified to go to the dentist.

Through the time and care of a very good dentist who used hypnotherapy, learning a shit tonne of mindfulness techniques, giving blood (phlebotomists are THE best people) and, if I'm being honest, a wee bit of diazepam every now and again, I have got through it. It can be done.

It is hard and frightening, but doable, if you put the work in. I'm afraid I would judge you if you refused to get the vaccine because of it.

LadyJaye · 05/01/2021 00:21

Incidentally, I'm also autistic and have issues around strangers touching me, so that's been an issue, too.

HeddaGarbled · 05/01/2021 00:21

If you’re under 60 and no health conditions, you probably won’t get offered it anyway, at least not for getting on for a year, possibly never. Likewise the PP’s youngsters with autism. I think things will look very different by then. It’ll be more like the flu jab and opting out won’t be such a big issue.

PastMyBestBeforeDate · 05/01/2021 00:23

@GrinchnotHinch honestly 5mg of Diazepam has me floating about. 2.5mg is all I need to keep control but they accidentally gave me 5mg last time . I giggled like a loon.

ScottishStottie · 05/01/2021 00:23

Well no of course there wont be exceptions in social restrictions for people to scared to get the vaccine. But im sure you know that deep down op.

How soon are you expecting to get the vaccine? If you are vulnerable and in line to get it soon, then i would get in touch with go to look into sedative options for it.

If its still a while off then perhaps look into therapies, and then if not improved when the time comes, then book appointment with gp to discuss sedatives.

PastMyBestBeforeDate · 05/01/2021 00:24

Oh yes. Also probably autistic and I do anxiety properly :)

Ouch44 · 05/01/2021 00:25

I kind of treated myself many years ago when I had needle phobia. I got a needle that goes on a syringe. Had the packet stuck on my computer so I could see it all the time, then took it out of the packet etc. Guess it was exposure.
I also had dental treatment where they gave me a sedative so I didn't really know what was going on. I can pretty much do everything now. Just have to not look and not think about it now.
I haven't even thought about Covid vaccine and needle phobia. I suspect there will be quite a few people in your position. Your GP might be able to help

M0rT · 05/01/2021 00:27

Just to reassure you on the valium/diazepam option it's all about consent. So if when sober you ask for sedation to get the vaccine you are considered to be consenting.
A lot of people get doped up for dentists for example.
Although if possible I would take a dose at home first to see how it affects you, some people are zonked on half a valium and some people could drive a car. It affects everyone differently.

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