​ The push is now on for all eligible New Zealanders to become vaccinated.  That may be difficult for anyone who is nervous or worried about needles.
Check out some quick tips to make the process a little bit easier.

• Accept feelings and understand why you are getting the vaccine:
  • Acknowledge that the fear is real.  You aren’t the only one, lots of people feel worried about needles.
  • Do some research into what the vaccination is all about.  Be clear about why it’s important to get vaccinated.  The following sites have reliable information:  https://karawhiua.nz/ and https://covid19.govt.nz  
  • Ensure you are fully vaccinated.  Talk positively about the process.  Encourage your child or young person to see getting vaccinated as a positive action they are taking to look after themselves, their mates, family, and community.
  • Remind your young person that the experience is short, there is very little to no pain and the medical staff are kind and caring and will look after them. 

 

• Distraction can keep the mind busy and reduce stress and anxiety by providing another outlet for energy.  Some ideas for easy distractions:
  • Listen to music
  • Watch a YouTube video
  • Sing
  • Read a book or magazine
  • Listen to a podcast
  • Scrunch toes up and then stretch them
  • Talk to a friend or family member
  • Hold someone’s hand or have your hand massaged
  • Tell medical staff a story or facts about a topic of interest

 

• Choice and control can make the process of vaccination easier to tolerate.  Make decisions ahead of time and share these with the person giving the vaccine.

1. Decide whether to be told when the injection is happening
2. Chat or be silent
3. Watch the needle or not
4. Choose when to get vaccine.  Some people like to be part of a big crowd while others may find it easier in a quiet space with few other people around
5. Select a breathing exercise. A simple one is to breathe in for a count of 3 and out for a count of 4 for a series of 10 breaths. 
6. Use progressive muscle relaxation, start from the toes, and work your way up the body, tensing and then relaxing each muscle.
7. Re-framing or positive self-talk is an effective strategy parents and teachers can teach children to use.  This can be done aloud or silently and uses language like, ‘I can do this’, I’m brave and strong’, ‘I’m doing the right thing to keep me, my friends and whānau safe’.

Finally, once your child has had their vaccination it is important to congratulate them and provide lots of praise for getting this important job done.
Positive reinforcement will set the scene for any future vaccines they may require, and leave a lasting memory of a positive experience, knowing they have done the right thing, and it was nice and easy.
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If your child is more than a little anxious and the strategies shared here aren’t working you can talk to your child’s teacher or doctor for ideas of where to go for further support.