Facing her fear of needles, Swiftly

By David Freeman, Media Relations Specialist, Community Engagement and Communications

Close your eyes; take a deep breath; and Shake It Off, Shake It Off.

My kids hate needles. But they do understand how important it is for them to get immunized. We’ve done our best to help them find ways to cope, but options like therapy dogs aren’t always available.

My wife and I discuss pending immunizations with them, reinforce their importance and try to help our twins cope with this fear – all based on advice I’ve solicited from colleagues and medical health officers over the years. This helps but isn’t always completely effective. Courage can give way to overwhelming fear when they get into that seat and roll up a sleeve.

This year my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD. While this might seem like a daunting diagnosis to face as a 10-year-old, she has embraced it. She has begun to understand when she can’t focus and how to find ways to refocus. This year she’s owned doing it her own way.

She’s been Fearless, well sort of.

To prepare for her immunization this year she packed a bag. In it was a stuffy – what kid doesn’t find comfort in a stuffy to squeeze when they’re scared? – a sleep mask to cover her eyes, her tablet, and wireless headphones.

“Dad, I have a plan,” she reassured me, though in the moment she nearly lost her courage going through the door. But this time she refocused, volunteered to go first, and took a seat. She was still scared but she had a plan.

You Need to Calm Down

First, she looked her nurse in the eye and outlined her plan: I’m going turn on my music; I’m going to take a deep breath and put on my mask (you can get the needle ready but don’t do anything until I say!); I’m going to take another breath and when I’m ready I’ll tell you.

Chelsea, her nurse, was wonderful. She was patient, accepted my daughter’s plan without judgement and followed her instructions to a T.

Is it Over Now?

And just like that it was done. Nary a tear. No biting. A quick walk around and she sat down for jab two. Same plan. Chelsea delivered.

Breathe.

Her brother, who feeds off her reaction to these things handled it very similarly, while his sister went from crisis management to coaching. For my wife and I, it was Happiness.

I am not ready to say the worst is behind us – or her – just yet. We all know what Karma can be like and next year is Grade 6 immunizations. But we’re grateful for the progress we’ve made and hope this can inspire others to Shake It Off.