NeedlePhobia: How to Ease Anxiety in Preparation for Routine Childhood Vaccinations

The Peds Pod by Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital

Local research has shown that during the pandemic, children got well behind on their well child pediatrician visits and regular childhood immunizations. Memphis Shelby County Schools, Shelby County Health Department, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center have partnered to host pop-up vaccination events during the Spring and Summer to help children prepare for back-to-school requirements.
During a planning session for the events, the team identified “fear of needles” or “needlephobia” as a real barrier to immunization that needs to be addressed. Here to talk with us today about strategies to help ease anxiety among both parents and children when it comes to getting a shot is Le Bonheur Director of Family Support Services Jessica Liles.