Sandown Park

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

Has anyone been to the vaccination centre at Sandown Park? I've got my second jab booked there and I need to know what it's like before I go. I have a needle phobia and I have to know what to expect. Is there somewhere I can lie down to have the jab, do they have screens etc?

I had my first one through the GP and just about managed as it was at a small local centre where everyone was lovely - I was taken to the front of the queue and had someone with me the whole time (they would have let DH go in with me) and I'm worried I won't be able to cope with a big centre.

I know I could wait to get it through my GP but I'm keen to get it out of the way both because of my phobia and wanting the extra protection.

When are you booked for? I'm having mine there next Sat, so can tell you all about it after that!

I'm booked for 20th June. I'd be really grateful if you could tell me about it as I'm getting myself into a state already!

No problem!

I am a total needlephobe and had mine at sandown on Monday. They asked if I felt dizzy or was prone to fainting (I said yes). Then they told me to tell that to the next person I spoke to. That person took me to a separate booth to lie down and said I could stay there for the whole 15 min recovery if I needed to. they honestly couldn't have been kinder and they didn't make me feel silly at all. They 100% prefer you to tell them rather than having to scrape you off the floor. They'll look after you!

I had my first vaccine there. It’s a big centre but it didn’t feel overwhelming or rushed and I think there would be plenty of opportunity to explain how you feel - you won’t be the only person feeling like this.

You park your car and walk into the centre - they’ll ask you to show your appointment confirmation on the way in. You then join the main queue and get checked in by a volunteer and then you are shown into one of several other queues where someone goes through your questionnaire answers (eg history of blood clots/allergies). Then you wait in ANOTHER queue in front of a number of enclosed booths where they do the jab. So no one will see you when it’s done.

When I went, there were several St John’s ambulance people and everyone was really friendly and relaxed. My DH suffers from needle phobia so I empathise - I would really recommend that you flag this at every stage and I’m sure you’ll be well looked after. There are also plenty of seats inside and outside to sit after the jab itself.

Hope this helps and good luck x

Thank you all so much. Nothing will ever put my mind at rest but I feel better knowing what to expect.

Hi I’m a volunteer there. There are two screened pods where you can lie down. Would emphasise that you tell each person you see about your phobia. What time is your appointment?

You are fine to take someone with you too.

I'll definitely make sure they know. Last time DH had to tell them as I couldn't speak as I was in such a state. My appointment is 11.30am

I had my second there last week, it was all very quick, quite noisy and busy. Tell the first person inside about your phobia and I’m sure you will be guided through.

Just to update this, I ended up being called by my GP and went to Woking instead. Everyone was lovely, DH went in with me (he was told to!) and a nurse talked to me and held my hand while it was done. I was more comfortable at a smaller centre and the NHS app shows it was done at McLaren which, as an F1 fan, made my day!