Needle phobia is an under-reported healthcare issue according to health experts. Clinically known as trypanophobia, it generally rates as one of the top 10 fears of many people.
“People who are afraid of needles avoid going to the doctor, skip vaccinations, avoid flu shots, and don't donate blood,” says the US Surgeon-General, Dr Rich Carmona.
“Unlike other phobias, fear of needles can make a real difference to someone’s life.”
To help eliminate needle phobia, the American Healthline company has launched an innovative free iPhone App to help parents distract children while they get shots. The App is based around Pablo the Pufferfish who his so afraid of his own needles, he finds it hard to look in the mirror.
Research shows that needle phobia usually develops around age 4 or 5 with a traumatic immunisation experience.
“Kids today get so many more shots than they used to. A parent born in the 1960s or 1970s may have received five or six shots by the age of 6, but today their kids can get up to 33,” says Dr Amy Baxter.
“Needle phobia must be addressed and it must be addressed on large public platforms. Fear of snakes or fear of public speaking doesn't kill people, but fear of needles does."
Healthline has developed these tips for parents to help kids overcome the fear of needles.
- Explain that shots protect them from being sick. Keep the language simple and to the point. Try something like: “Yes, it will hurt a little bit now but it will keep you healthy, and that’s better than being sick, isn’t it?”
- Don’t tell your child too far in advance that they’re having a shot. The longer they have to worry about it, the worse it becomes. But if they ask what’s happening at their next doctor’s appointment, tell them the truth.
- Keep them distracted while they’re with the doctor. Books, music, video games – or especially the Pablo the Pufferfish App.
- Make sure your child is comfortable. They might mean sitting on your lap, sitting near you holding your hand, or you put your arm around them. The idea is to make them feel secure. Don’t let you child receive shots lying down, especially after around 18 months, and never hold them down.
- Reward them when it’s over. It’s an ordeal for them, so treat them with something small and appropriate – their favourite milk shake, a visit to a favourite park, anything that makes the day a positive experience. And don’t be worried about praising your child for being brave and doing the right thing.
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