Worried about fainting at vaccine

[NotMeItsYou]

I’ve not even been called yet (early 30s) but for some reason I’m worried I’m going to pass out once I’ve had the actual vaccine and make a fool of myself in the waiting area afterwards which presumably is full of other people... I don’t care about needles or pain but something about getting the jab is making me feel anxious and I’m not usually like this at all! I wish I could be jabbed in my own house

Is anyone else feeling like this? Or better still, felt like this but then was absolutely fine when it happened?!

I had my first jab just over a month ago and felt just like you beforehand. I got more and more stressed in the queue whilst registering (I struggle with masks too, which contributed to the anxiety) and when they took my details I explained that I was feeling stressed and a bit faint, could I sit down etc.

They were absolutely lovely - whisked me away so I didn't need to wait in the line any more, put me in my own room and calmly talked me through it. They also let me lie down to have the jab and gave me plenty of time to sit back up and 'come to' before I left. They weren't judgemental at all - just really reassuring.

So please do tell them how you're feeling - and it will be fine :)

I'm quite fainty in the sense that I can't really give blood now as I faint every time-I don't have an issue with needles, blood etc, I don't know why but I do faint giving blood.

I've had my 2 covid jabs and I was completely fine 👍

I'm a vaccinator. Tell them that you're feeling nervous or wobbly. Also tell them if there's anything they can do to help e.g. make sure you don't see the needle. Wiggling your toes is really good for distracting your brain and you will be less likely to faint. Don't feel you have to jump out of the chair as soon as you're done - if you feel faint, let them know and take your time

And try to avoid reading any of the nonsense going around. The vaccines are perfectly safe

My friend has a needle phobia and she was allowed to have the vaccine lying down so ask to be put on the bed

My dh fainted , they were lovely and whisked him off to a back room.. you won't be the first or last to have a wobble .

Ask if you can have it lying down. There is a resus area with a bed, so unless it’s occupied they should be able to accommodate you !

Needles make me feel faint. Giving blood is even worse - I have to lie down. I can normally cope with an injection so long as they let me sit. The flu jab last autumn was horrendous as the GP surgery had a production line going - just walked us through, jabbed us while we stood, and sent us out. I survived that without keeling over.

The covid jab was fine. They sat me down, I didn't look at the needle (never do) and I hardly felt the jab.

If needles don't normally make you faint then you should be fine, but if you are feeling nervous then tell the staff.

There has been a lot of people on this board say they were nervous/fainters, and all have said they were well looked after. Some even saying that staff noticed them struggling in the queue, so got them sorted ASAP.

It will be ok for you too.

I call dh the fainting goat as he passes out in virtually any circumstance related to needles. He normally warns the HCP in advance and they usually get him to sit down and keep an eye on him - tbh I think naming the fear out loud is often enough to take the anxiety out of the situation iyswim.

That said, he was fine with the covid jab, think he just perceived it as such a positive thing.

They have a lot of fainters apparently so don’t worry! They’ll look after you

I have this fear as in the past I’ve fainted or felt as if I was going to. So like you I was worried about it, but nothing happened both times. If it makes you feel more confident mention it to the vaccinator.

I’m a needle-phobic fainter! The day before I went for the jab (a fortnight ago) I had a checkup at the dentist, and mentioned I was going to her. As the key witness to my crimes (I am not scared of treatment at the dentist, but get in such a tizz if I need an injection) she said to let them know immediately.

I actually burst into tears when I got taken, and blurted out how I felt, and the vaccinator was LOVELY. The injection itself was actually fine, but she kept me with her until I settled down rather than send me straight to the waiting seats. She also said I could happily have brought DP in with me rather than have him wait in the car, so I will probably do that for the second round.

I found the whole mass vaccine centre/queues/waiting thing quite stressful, but I think it was partly because I wasn’t sure what to expect. All of the staff were so helpful and friendly. I’m sure I will feel more comfortable next time.