A fear of needles is incredibly common in children. Many children associate having a vaccine as a painful and scary experience due to the involvement of needles. Showing fear is normal for young children, but sometimes, these fears become so severe they can be considered phobias and lead to the avoidance of medical procedures.

Fears and phobias can range from mild to severe and debilitating. Some ways to help children navigate these fears include informing them about the procedure so they know what to expect. It’s important to understand the details of the procedure. Knowing where the procedure will be, who will be there, and what will happen can all help reduce fears. 

Most importantly, it’s crucial to be supportive of the individual. A trusted person who understands the fear and provides comfort can help soothe the fearful individual. It’s important to know that fear is not a choice but something we can learn to manage.

Read the full article here.

Emma Dineen

Research Assistant, UConn KIDS

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