Dealing with vaccination anxiety and needle phobia

Vaccination anxiety and needle phobia are very real.

And for many of our special needs kids, there is an extra layer of worry added in – the fear of the unknown, concerns about it hurting, new environments, overwhelming sights, sounds and smells, and waiting in a queue.

We know vaccinations are a deeply personal decision and every parent needs to make their own decision based on their child’s needs.

But we feel it’s important to offer practical help for those who have made this decision for their family, particularly with school starting.

Amaze has created some fantastic Social Stories to help prepare your child – one for those getting it done at a vaccination hub, and another for those heading to the GP.

The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne has also produced a fact sheet on Needle Phobia, which explains how to support your child during this time as well as distraction and calming techniques.