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Original poster

Unvaxxed due to needle phobia, now terrified after reading everything on here tonight

138 replies

Honeyhorse · 15/12/2021 23:02

I posted a couple of days ago about my needle phobia.
I’ve not had any vaccines as yet. I’m having my first counselling session on Friday. But now I realise it’s too late, the new variant is extremely infectious and I’m going to get it. Even if I stay in the house as much as possible, my DP works in a secondary school so I’m in trouble.

How likely am I to get seriously ill from the new one? I’m 32, a little overweight, no co morbidities.

I hate myself for not going through with it sooner. I’m terrified of the vaccine/needle and terrified of getting this new variant Sad

Please be kind, feel sick and shaky tonight.

OP posts:
HangingOver · 16/12/2021 01:07

Tattoo numbing cream might help. You won't feel it at all.

Phobias are a bitch though, I sympathize. I'm badly phobic of flying and it's been incredibly unpleasant confronting it.

Worth it though - you'll feel fantastic afterwards.

NoNameHere12 · 16/12/2021 01:14

I had a needle phobia that was very bad. Scared to death and the feeling of fear was horrendous. I would cry if a needle was in the room, even if it wasn’t me having a blood test.

A jab is completely different to a blood test though, in so many ways.

Secondly it’s not the needle that’s the worst bit, it’s the build up to it, it’s crippling.

I got over my phobia as one time I was so ill (way before covid) I had so many test, needles and things poking in and out of me I was too exhausted to feel the fear, I basically was jabbed so much I got used to it.

Double3xposure · 16/12/2021 01:15

@Honeyhorse

Even if I had one jab now…well I mean next week or whenever (if I could physically get myself there) would it protect me or do I need all 3 for protection?
Yes it will help you to get one jab. Your body starts making antibodies straight away and it builds up over the next 10-14 days.

So it will help you physically and mentally. Because once you’ve had one you will probably be less scared of getting the next two.

You are doing the right thing going for counselling and I hope you find it helpful.

Please be encouraged by stories like @DixieSun and @Daisypod. They have overcome this phobia and so can you.

TomBradysLeftKneecap · 16/12/2021 01:16

I have a very random phobia (and won't say what it is because it's outing), but you honestly have to take a deep breath and get on with it. If I didn't, I would never be able to eat out and I LOVE eating out. I've had all 3 and none of them hurt, 2 I didn't even realize had been taken. Look away, take a deep breath and you CAN do this!

BasiliskStare · 16/12/2021 01:20

I do understand a phobia

So a silly example - I don't mind injections / needles any more - had loads - would not be my leisure activity of choice but as long as I know it's a good thing I can do it - I just look the other way when say they "and now a tiny scratch". BUT If someone said to me to be vaccinated against covid I had to put a tarantula on my hand for 10 seconds I would defenestrate myself and be running for the hills Covid or no Covid. Once I had calmed down I think I might go for CBT / counselling and / or ask for a sedative.

Difference being I ( Oh lets hope ) I will never come into contact with a huge spider but vaccinations , inoculations are helpful. So I admire @Honeyhorse for going for counselling. & I wish you well honeyhorse

I absolutely know the logic is not helpful but if you do whatever you can to get where you can bear to have a vaccination - that would be fabulous - it would seem it might also relieve you of other worries.

vickibee · 16/12/2021 01:22

My son has such anxiety that he faints and exhibits seizure type symptoms. He had his hpv recently and the boosters you have at 14. It was really scary and now he point blank refuses the covid one. He had the flu nasal one successfully I wonder if they could deliver it in the same way ?

Kokeshi123 · 16/12/2021 01:23

I know nothing about this issue, but is there such a thing as a powerful medication you can take to make you woozy beforehand?

BasiliskStare · 16/12/2021 01:39

@Kokeshi123 I had to have a colonoscopy once - was terrified - they gave me a sedative and the thing went like a dream ( I had lain awake at nights worrying about it beforehand - not sure if they will do it for inoculations / vaccinations - but such things exist.

Pixxie7 · 16/12/2021 01:47

Bless you. Has anyone suggested that you use Emla cream it’s a topical local anaesthetic sometimes used for children who are frightened of vaccinations.

user1481840227 · 16/12/2021 01:57

There is no guarantee at all that you'll get it!
I know lots of people who have been close contacts who were convinced they had it and then they were negative.
My daughter has been at a table twice now with kids who had it in school and she never caught it off them.
One teacher caught it (but seemed to catch it outside school) and she didn't spread it to any of the other teachers.

My sons secondary school is pretty big and they seem to have only had some isolated cases, no clusters at all.

If you do get it the chances of you getting seriously ill are tiny.

1forAll74 · 16/12/2021 02:51

You can hardly feel the needle for the vaccine, its quick and easy, and off you go.

OnwardsAndSideways1 · 16/12/2021 08:39

OP, the best thing you can do is to tell them immediately when you get to the centre or GP's surgery that you are needle phobic and very worried about having the jab. They have a protocol for dealing with this, and will help you. I have had all mine this year despite a needle phobia, and whilst I haven't found it easy, and have taken up their time, I've had all of them successfully. Just be honest and let them help you. Don't try to be ok and then get in a complete state- if you let them know asap then they can put you in a side area or get it done straight away to limit the stress.

Saying things like it won't hurt isn't that relevant to someone like me, I am not scared of the pain!

Bubblecap · 16/12/2021 08:46

MH services are are like all of the NHS under a serious strain plus the waiting list for therapy is very long. However even if you do get treatment there is a further level of complexity. Obviously we have all met medical professionals who have a bedside manner we prefer.

But to reveal the innermost workings of your mind and to feel genuinely comfortable you need to click on a level that is beyond the level of comprehension of most unless they have been in that position. It’s not about liking that person or even their professionalism it’s about trusting another human with things you may never have told a living soul.

This isn’t the fault of the NHS or anyone it’s just the complexity of the mind. CBT is very different to counselling and behavioural issues such as phobias can be helped far more quickly with CBT. I’m not sure what type of therapy you have booked but good luck obviously. I have had long term therapy for PTSD and other issues after the death of my DD. The first therapist was a great human but I just did not click, they left the service for another post and the next one, well the difference was night and day.

Egghead68 · 16/12/2021 09:45

[quote XenoBitch]@Egghead68

My local IAPT service don't offer any practical help for phobias and in any case, I can't access them as I am classed as "too high a risk".[/quote]
They should be prioritising needle phobia that is stopping people getting Covid vaccines, whether or not they usually treat phobias.

If you are viewed as too high a risk for primary care, presumably you are linked in with other mental health services. If you tell them you can’t have the Covid vaccine due to needle phobia they really should help. Have you tried?

Egghead68 · 16/12/2021 09:47

Here are some needle phobia services for Essex. I haven’t searched for elsewhere:

www.essexcovidvaccine.nhs.uk/information-support/fear-of-needles/

Egghead68 · 16/12/2021 09:48

See also this:

www.anxietyuk.org.uk/covid-19-vaccine-support/

Animood · 16/12/2021 09:56

A friend of mine has needle phobia. I've been to an appointment with her where she has passed out because of a needle. V scary for her and v real.

She went to GP and got prescribed diazepam. A big dose. Her aunt drove her to the centre and basically frog marched her in when she had taken the pill. The centre booked her in a triple slot so she had plenty of time to sit and chill etc.

What I'm saying is - where there is a Will there is a way. You're going to have to either drug yourself up and force yourself to go or accept the risk.

BigSandyBalls2015 · 16/12/2021 10:01

Don't drug yourself up to get the jab .... the chances of you being seriously unwell are literally miniscule at your age.

I would, however, try and get a smear test done if you can.

greywintersday · 16/12/2021 10:19

I'm so sorry. Prayers.

VikingOnTheFridge · 16/12/2021 10:23

Well done for taking the step to book your counselling. That's a great start OP.

JS87 · 16/12/2021 10:24

@Honeyhorse

Even if I had one jab now…well I mean next week or whenever (if I could physically get myself there) would it protect me or do I need all 3 for protection?
Yes definitely. You would probably still catch it but your risk of serious illness would be much reduced.
oneglassandpuzzled · 16/12/2021 10:26

You might well be injected with various things if you caught Covid and were seriously ill and hospitalised.

VikingOnTheFridge · 16/12/2021 10:31

OP is there anything we on here could do to support you? Would it maybe help if people were to check in with you before the appointment?

RenegadeMrs · 16/12/2021 10:57

Well done OP for getting your therapy booked to address your phobia.

I wanted to send an encouraging note to say it is perfectly possible to get over a needle phobia. I had one where I could go and get a jab done but felt the panic rising as it was done and would faint after every jab / blood test.

Then I found out I needed IVF. A nurse told me that I'd probably never get over the phobia but actually I did. I read up and did a lot of CBT exercises and combined with the exposure therapy that IVF naturally provides (ha flipping ha) I did get over it and am now totally fine with jabs. It wasn't a linear journey for me, there were still some days where I took ages to get the panic down and get it done, but I am now totally fine with medical jabs (won't be getting a tatoo any time soon but still) and don't pass out.

It is worth persevering. Good luck.

OhGingleBells · 16/12/2021 11:05

I know it doesn’t make any difference saying it but I found the COVID jab far less traumatic than other vaccinations. Maybe a smaller needle or something? I had my two jabs done at different places and they were both really kind and accommodating. They had me lay down and spent ages making sure I was okay and ready for it.

I get very manic and tremble before jabs (used to be sick and hysterical) but if you’ve had trauma I can see that it’s really not as easy as ‘it’s over quickly and it’s so worth it.’

I don’t think you can force yourself to have it and I doubt they’ll give it to you if you’re hysterical or moving around. No point in going and queuing and then not getting it. I’m all for vaccines and would encourage anyone but it doesn’t sound like you are in the right place to have one right now. Keep being careful and vitamins are definitely a good idea!

You could wait until after Christmas and then find a walk in and plan something nice to do afterwards. Then drive to the walk in centre, sit in the car park for a bit, eat a nice treat in the car and then leave. If it’s nearby do it a couple of times and eventually try going in for the jab. They’ll be used to people with phobias and are generally very sympathetic and understanding. It sounds like you want to be vaccinated but just don’t want to be jabbed so I wouldn’t write it off as being too late to bother. You could try a numbing cream which would hopefully make you feel a bit more confident? Good luck! It’s not easy but hopefully your counselling helps.