COVID-19 vaccines give you the best protection against COVID-19, but for some people injections can be difficult. Vaccinations can be a very anxious or distressing experience for people with a fear of needles.
The fear of needles is very common, and there are many resources which can help you manage your fear. Anxiety UK website includes information about the needle phobia and injections. For example, their booklet gives tips for overcoming your phobia and also outlines treatment options.
Visit Anxiety UK’s COVID-19 vaccine support page to find out more.
Additionally, you can find out more about the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme on our Coronavirus vaccine section.
Available services in mid and south Essex
South East Essex via Therapy for You (EPUT)- Service offer
- A 2-3 hour intensive session focusing on needle phobia after which the person will have the COVID-19 vaccination potentially delivered by the therapist delivering the treatment session or if they can, through the normal vaccination procedure on the day with the support of the therapist.
- This will be followed up by a further session if needed at the time of the second vaccination.
- With one further follow up appointment a few months later to check progress.
- This is a free NHS service offered by Therapy for You.
People eligible for this pathway will be
- Anyone aged over 18 and living in the Southend/CPR CCG area.
- They will not have been vaccinated already and must be willing to have the vaccine.
- The intervention does not address worry about the vaccine itself only the needle phobia element.
- It does include fear of fainting
- They can attend the Southend Civic Centre vaccination centre.
- Must be able to attend the venue for up to 3 hours
- Individuals can self-refer by calling 01268 739128 and asking for the needle phobia service.
Basildon and Brentwood via Vita Minds- Service offer
- NHS needle phobia treatment using Virtual Reality technology
- Supported by a therapist throughout, the treatment will guide you through techniques and strategies to manage needle fears
- A free pair of VR goggles will be sent to you and your session will be delivered remotely so you can attend from the comfort of your own home
People eligible for this pathway will be
- Anyone aged over 16 years old and living in the Basildon and Brentwood CCG area
- They will not have been vaccinated already and must be willing to have the vaccine.
- Individuals can self-refer by calling 01268 739128 and asking for the needle phobia service.
Thurrock via Inclusion Thurrock- Service offer
- One-session treatment for needle phobia as part of IAPT service
- Supported by a trained therapist
People eligible for this pathway will be
- Anyone aged over 18 years old and living in the Thurrock CCG area
- They will not have been vaccinated already and must be willing to have the vaccine.
Individuals can self-refer by calling 01375 898680 or via Refer yourself – Inclusion Thurrock
Mid Essex via Health in Mind (HPFT)- Service offer
- One-session treatment for needle phobia as part of IAPT service
- Supported by a trained therapist
- Patients are then able to have their COVID-19 vaccine at the end of the session
People eligible for this pathway will be
- Anyone aged over 17 years old and living in the Mid Essex CCG area.
- They will not have been vaccinated already and must be willing to have the vaccine.
- They can attend the Danbury Health Centre or Tylers Ride, South Woodham Ferrers.
Individuals can self-refer by calling 01376 308704 or via a self-referral: https://www.hpft-iapt.nhs.uk/service/mid-essex (select “Use our online portal”)