OnTheWight always welcomes a Letter to the Editor to share with our readers – unsurprisingly they don’t always reflect the views of this publication. If you have something you’d like to share, get in touch and of course, your considered comments are welcome below.
This from Alan (surname withheld). Ed
The news that now NHS staff are to be compulsorily vaccinated has prompted me to write about those people, like myself, who suffer from a severe phobia of needles and thus injections.
Very little attention has been paid to this over the past 18 months or so and like many others in my position I was dreading the announcement of a vaccine.
Not an anti-vaxxer
Not because I am anti-vaccination, but because I cannot contemplate having a needle inserted into me under any circumstances. I would almost certainly panic and/or pass out.
I cannot even approach a known vaccination centre without becoming severely anxious.
Lack of understanding
There seems to be minimal understanding of this condition amongst medical professionals whom I have approached for assistance, most going down the path of “it really doesn’t hurt,” or “just don’t look.” Neither of which are of any help.
The latter is similar, in my mind, to telling a sufferer of PTSD to put their hands over their ears on 5th November. It simply will not work and is largely patronising.
Considered selfish or stupid
Add to that the generally held opinion that I am being in some way selfish, or stupid has led me to the position where I refuse to discuss my vaccination status, or any other medical information, with friends or family.
I can usually achieve that aim by keeping quiet if the topic comes up in conversation.
Another reason for not disclosing my vaccination status is that I then have to explain my fear of needles which has resulted in comments along the lines of “a big bloke like you is frightened of a needle?” (This comment once received from a woman who will stand on a chair in terror if there’s a spider in the room). Again patronising and not helpful.
Can’t consider therapy for the phobia
I realise there is treatment available, but my phobia is such that I cannot contemplate having any treatment as I know that at the end of it a needle will be pushed into my arm at some point.
I actually avoid any news coverage of vaccinations as there is invariably a photograph of someone being vaccinated which raises my anxiety again.
Pinning hopes on a nasal spray vaccine
Do I worry about catching Covid? Yes, I worry a lot of the time, but for now, I am pinning my hopes on a nasal spray vaccine becoming available and just continuing to take precautions and test myself regularly.
Really, I’m just hoping for a little more compassion and understanding. But, if you ask me, I won’t tell.
Never any contact from NHS
Finally, we have been told repeatedly that those people known to be unvaccinated will be contacted by the NHS to find out why.
I can confirm that this has not happened to me.
