This post is made possible with support from the Meg Foundation. All opinions are my own.
A fear of needles should not be the reason keeping you from getting your COVID vaccine. There are easy techniques you can use to move through your needle fear so you can get vaccinated and protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID.
After months of being stuck at home and not being able to see friends and loved ones due to the COVID pandemic, we’re finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. With the COVID vaccines now available to everyone 16 and over, I’m really excited about protecting myself and doing the right thing for my family and my community by getting vaccinated as soon as possible.
However, I do have to admit that as my appointment approaches, I have been feeling a bit anxious. You see, I’ve always been afraid of needles, ever since I was a little girl. I think one of the hardest things for me regarding my needle fear was that people who don’t fear needles don’t understand it. “It’s just a little needle.” Yes, but I’m still afraid of it. The good news is that there are ways to work through that fear so that you can get the shot!
Whether you’re getting vaccinated, having blood drawn for tests, or getting injectable medication, there are so many instances where needles are necessary! I am so grateful for the #HackTheVax campaign and the Meg Foundation for providing me with strategies that really work to ease my fear of needles. And I love that the Meg Foundation also has techniques for children, so I am also helping my kids so they don’t have to go through life fearing needles. I just wish I had known about these techniques when I was a kid! Back then, my parents had to bribe me to get vaccinated. There was usually ice cream involved.
While I could show you pictures of how brave I am getting vaccinated thanks to my vaccine plan and the strategies I learned, I’m gonna be totally honest—looking at someone getting the vaccine makes me nervous. For me, it’s very helpful to actually look away and NOT look at the needle, and I made that part of my plan. That is why instead I am focusing on sharing with you why I am getting vaccinated. Working through my fear of needles by making a plan is worth it so I can get my COVID vaccine and make sure my loved ones and my community are safe.
If you fear needles, you are not alone! I’m right there with you, and I can tell you that just making a plan and having all of these techniques available to me has helped to ease my needle fear! It only takes a few minutes to check out the Hack the Vax website which gives you everything you need to create a plan so you can get your shot! Don’t let a fear of needles keep you from getting your COVID vaccine! And remember that 25% of people fear needles, so there’s probably someone close to you that could really benefit from these techniques.
Think, plan, and go get your shot without fear, and pass on these techniques because you never know when someone else is feeling nervous. Don’t let needle fear prevent you from getting a shot that can keep you and your family safe!
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
- Guatemalan Dulce de Chilacayote Recipe (Crystalized Chilacayote Candy) - February 26, 2024
- Guatemalan Naranjas en Miel Recipe (Candied Oranges Recipe) - February 25, 2024
- Traditional Guatemalan Candy - February 25, 2024
I guess needles have never bothered me before. But I know the fear of needles is real. Great post.
Oh wow, I wish I had seen this last week. I had one last week and I was so nervous.
Thanks for this. I do not know why, but my almost 18 year old is avoiding this subject. My hubby and I have had both shots, and now in NY my son is eligible. Thanks for this article which is helping me guide him!
I do get slightly nervous about needles but I remind myself I got an epidural so I’ll be fine. I hope to get my first COVID shot tomorrow!
Fear of needless is definitely a real fear! Thank u for these techniques, I will look into them!
I dont like needles so these are good tips. I am passing on the shot though for health reasons.
I was terrified of needles and dreaded every shot and blood draw appointment. What really helped me move past it was being pregnant. I had no choice but to make sure myself and baby were healthy.
Thanks for encouraging, i don’t have fears on needles but I know someone who does. I’ll share this to him.
I like this article. It helps me boost myself to face my fears against needles. Thank you so much!
Overcoming fear is very difficult for many people. Especially when they don’t know why they are scared.
I used to hate getting poked. It is important thought to get your shots.
These tips are awesome and I hope they will help my brother not to have all this fear of needle!