Posted on: January 5, 2022
With access to reliable, factual information and support from experienced Public Health professionals on-site at Island Health immunization clinics, anxiety and fear should not be barriers to getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
While getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community, it's understandable that there are many reasons why people may be hesitant. Trypanophobia (a fear of needles), concern about rare side effects, or simply not knowing which vaccine information to believe are all contributors to vaccine hesitancy.
Catherine Saunier, a Clinical Coordinator for Island Health's South Island immunization campaign, said many children and adults are nervous or hesitant when they arrive at immunization clinics. These are the situations where Red Cross staff and volunteers and Island Health's expert immunizers step in to ensure people have the personalized support they need.
“Deep breathing exercises, listening to music, having a friend or pet with you for support, and clarifying their concerns is helping many people deal with their vaccine anxiety," Saunier said. “Sometimes their anxiousness stems from inaccurate sources of information on social media, which our immunizers can help to clarify by providing them with accurate and reputable sources of truth. Some people have a deep, pre-existing fear of needles, which affects 1 in 10 people and can cause a full-blown panic attack."
Ariel Downey recently made the difficult decision to get vaccinated, despite struggling with a debilitating fear of needles since experiencing a traumatic event as a child. Her diagnosed fear of injections and having blood taken has prevented her from travelling internationally and even starting a family.
“It's not the potential pain of the needle that causes me to blackout," Downey said. “It's something about an injection and having my blood taken. I don't experience the same thing when I get a tattoo."
Downey felt that getting vaccinated was the right thing to do and she brought her mother with her to the Victoria clinic for support. She knew she wasn't going to be an easy patient and despite having taken medication to ease her anxiety, she fainted before she even reached registration.
The clinic staff and volunteers quickly jumped to her aid, and she was provided with care from a nurse who helped de-escalate her anxiety so Downey was able to receive her vaccine in a more calm matter.
“Nurse Leanne was incredible," Downey said. “She was patient and kind and acknowledged and validated my phobia. It was still a difficult experience to go through, even though I didn't even feel the needle."
Some people have even been vaccinated outdoors with their pets by their side for support. Other interventions include private vaccination rooms and immunizers who specialize in working with phobias.
“Being vaccinated can be a very stressful process to go through," said Matthew Ha, a Red Cross Team Lead who works alongside Island Health clinical staff at the Victoria clinic. “Red Cross staff are aware of this and aim to create a comfortable, safe space for people who show signs of nervousness or uncertainty, allowing us to take the time to comfort them and discuss their fears."
For those who are anxious about getting the vaccine, Saunier offers some advice.
“When you arrive for your vaccine, let the registration staff know that you are anxious or have a needle phobia so that our immunizers can work with you to determine how to best support you. Or, if you know that your child is anxious because of medical concerns or a fear of needles, speak with a duty nurse to make a plan for your child."
Saunier said it's up to each person to decide what's in their best interest.
“If anxiety is preventing you or your loved ones from getting the COVID-19 vaccine, despite wanting to protect yourself and them, then it may help to figure out a strategy to deal with your anxiousness, and our team of Red Cross staff and Island Health immunizers can help with that."
To learn more about how Island Health is accommodating people with Trypanophobia (a fear of needles), you can watch the following video: