Considering Needle Phobia among Adult Patients During Mass COVID-19 Vaccinations

Abstract

As mass vaccination is underway to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and achieve herd immunity, healthcare professionals need to recognize the fear and phobia of needles among their patients. Approximately 11.5 to 66 million U.S. adults may suffer from this condition. This population often avoids seeking medical care including vaccinations. The exact number of people suffering from this phobia is unknown, and the potential years of life lost in the American health care system cannot be estimated accurately. The resistance to vaccinations among this population may delay achieving herd immunity to end this current pandemic. An overview of needle phobia, vaccinations, and current treatments are explored. The use of telemedicine could prove critical for reaching this population as well as those who are hesitant about vaccinations. Providing education to healthcare providers to identify and manage these patients during the pandemic is necessary.

Association between Immunoglobulin G Levels and Adverse Effects Following Vaccination with the BNT162b2 Vaccine among Japanese Healthcare Workers

“…Therefore, many people who do not have a general phobia toward vaccines tend to avoid vaccination because of a fear of adverse effects influenced by social media. Low vaccination coverage can inhibit the establishment of herd immunity at a community level [ 18 , 19 ]. The severity and duration of adverse vaccine reactions varies and is correlated with the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) level [ 20 ].…”

Immersive Virtual Reality: A Safe, Scalable, Non-opioid Analgesic for Military and Veteran Patients

“…Avoidance of a simple venipuncture procedure can prevent potentially lifesaving medical care, particularly vaccinations. VR distraction has shown efficacy for the temporary management of pain, fear and distress associated with venipuncture using VR distraction (e.g, SnowWorld) in a range of populations -children, adults with autism spectrum disorders, and cancer patients (Atzori, 2018b;Gold and Mahrer, 2018;Chan et al, 2019;Love and Love., 2021). Alternatively, instead of using VR for distraction to temporarily get the patient through the venipuncture, permanently reducing the persons fear of needles can often be achieved in a few cognitive behavioral therapy sessions involving exposure therapy (e.g., VR exposure therapy in "Virtual Needle World"), guided by a clinical therapist.…”

Advances in subcutaneous injections: PRECISE II: a study of safety and subject preference for an innovative needle-free injection system

“…A study by Taddio and colleagues estimated that as many as 2 out of 3 people are afraid of needles (Taddio et al 2012). The relatively high prevalence of needle phobia also raises significant health concerns in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, as fear of needles can lead to vaccine avoidance (Taddio et al 2015;Love & Love 2021). Finally, the use of needle and syringe devices have an added risk of needlestick injuries and require special needle disposal.…”