What to do when children have needle phobia?

Every time I mention vaccination or see a needle, my baby cries, is scared, and has a fast heartbeat. Is there any way to help children stop being afraid? (Tran Nga, Ho Chi Minh City)

Reply:

According to the American Psychiatric Association, needle phobia is also classified as an anxiety disorder, a common mental disorder. This is a mechanism to protect the body from harm, which can develop into a debilitating mental disorder.

Signs include: A sudden increase in heart rate and blood pressure at the sight of a needle; or a decrease in heart rate causing a drop in blood pressure; fainting; unexplained extreme anxiety; panic at the sight of a needle. In children, the child may cry, have tantrums, freeze, and cling to adults. The fear can progress to panic attacks, insomnia, and avoidance of medical care even as the child gets older.

Children are vaccinated at the VNVC Hoang Van Thu vaccination center, Phu Nhuan district. Photo: Moc Thao — Children are vaccinated at the VNVC Hoang Van Thu vaccination center, Phu Nhuan district. Photo: *Moc Thao*

Fear of injections is a common condition in young children. You can help your children overcome this fear in many ways as below.

Do not lie to children

Parents should explain to their children the benefits of vaccination and should not lie to them. They should inform them about the vaccination date about a day in advance so that they can mentally prepare and adapt. They should not inform their children about vaccination too early because it can easily cause stress and prolonged fear in children.

Play doctor games

Parents can buy a toy doctor set. Through familiarization with toy medical instruments, practicing being a doctor and practicing vaccinations will help children improve their fear of injections.

Keep calm and relaxed

The first thing to do to help your child not be afraid of injections is for parents to keep a comfortable, calm, and happy mood. Because parents' anxiety can affect their child's mood, making them even more afraid of injections.

Bring your child's favorite object with you when getting the shot.

Bringing along a favorite object can distract your child and help alleviate the fear of injections. For toddlers, you can bring a teddy bear or a colorful picture book. For older children, you can let them watch funny videos or play games.

Distract children

Parents can let their children watch cartoons, read books or play with them to help them forget their fear of needles. Nurses can also chat and play with the children while giving vaccinations when the children are not paying attention.

Take a deep breath

Deep breathing can help you relax, reduce stress and focus less on the injection. So, teach your child to inhale deeply through the nose and exhale through the mouth about 3-5 times.

Make children feel comfortable

A hug or a handshake can help soothe a child’s anxiety. At the same time, mothers should also tell nurses to be gentle and patient with children who are afraid of needles.

100% of nurses at VNVC are well-trained in painless injection techniques and communication skills to soothe children. The center uses two large and small needles to withdraw and inject vaccines, helping to reduce pain during the vaccination process. VNVC also has a play area to help children forget the stress after the injection.

Nguyen Thi Kim Oanh
Nursing Director of VNVC Vaccination Center System

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