Welcome to our first blog post of August! It’s National Immunization Awareness Month, so we thought we’d reveal some facts, debunk one of the biggest myths, and mention some top tips for overcoming a fear of needles, or at least enough to get through an immunization.
Facts
Vaccines help to boost our immune systems’ response to life-threatening illnesses brought on by viruses and bacteria. Vaccine programs around the world have resulted in reduced disease transmissions, lower rates of disability, and reduced infant mortality.
Despite the effectiveness of vaccines, vaccine-preventable diseases have not disappeared. Those who are unvaccinated can still pick up viruses and bacteria for illnesses. Even if those illnesses aren’t common in the US, global travel means that diseases can spread easily among those who are unvaccinated.
Vaccination isn’t pointless, it can save lives. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, in the U.S. roughly 50,000 adults died each year from diseases that could have been prevented by vaccines.
Scientific evidence has shown that vaccines are safe and effective. In the US, we have an approval process to determine the safety of vaccines. While vaccines may come with potential side effects for some, those effects are generally uncommon and not as severe as the diseases they are meant to prevent.
Would it surprise you to learn that millions of US adults fall ill from diseases that could have been prevented by vaccines? This means they miss work or can’t always effectively care for their children, parents, or other dependents.
Myths
Despite many opinions to the contrary, vaccines do not contain anything bad for us. The ingredients list might look scary (e.g. mercury, formaldehyde), but these ingredients are naturally found in our bodies, in our food, and in the environment. The amount found in vaccines is relatively small, not enough to harm the body.
Vaccines, as mentioned above, are tested and go through a robust approval and certification process. Vaccines need to be both safe and effective before they’re offered.
Additionally, there is no credible link between vaccines and autism or autism-related disorders. A 1998 study reported such a link, but the study used falsified data and was soon discredited. Meanwhile, many other studies have been carried out that confirm there is no association between vaccines and autism.
Neither can vaccines rewrite human DNA. Vaccines supply our immune cells with temporary instructions to get them to make a protein associated with a particular illness. So, if the protein from the actual illness comes along, our immune system will recognize and deal with it. Our DNA is found within the cell nucleus and the instructions from vaccines don’t make it there.
Think of vaccines as disappearing ink that vanishes from our immune cells as soon as it delivers its message.
Overcoming Your Fear Of Needles (Trypanophobia)
If you’re worried about the injection itself, you may have a fear of needles. Here are a few tips to get over that, or at least work around it.
Location Location Location
You might be feeling anxious about getting a vaccination in a busy location? It’s often something that triggers symptoms for people who are afraid of being vaccinated. If that’s the case for you, try a different location that’s quieter.
Relaxation Techniques
Different types of relaxation techniques can be a big help. Such as picturing you’re somewhere different, such as your “happy place”, or just somewhere you normally feel more relaxed, such as your bedroom, or somewhere fun, such as the beach. You can also use deep-breathing exercises.
If your loved one is worried about having injections, EJAI Loves Homecare’s medical experts know just how to calm even the most anxious individuals for a stress-free vaccination.
Choose Your Words
Words are important, and sometimes the words we use can impact the way we see what should be relatively mundane things. The terms “vaccine” and “injection” can sound medical and scary. You could ask your nurse or doctor to use other terms, such as “jab” or “poke”, instead.
Don’t Look
You don’t need to watch as your vaccination happens! Feel free to look away if you are worried about needles. Remember, it only takes a few seconds to complete your vaccination, so you don’t have to look away for long. Before you know it, it will be over. Nothing to worry about!
DISCLAIMER: You should always seek medical advice. This blog post is not a substitute for advice from a qualified medical professional.
If you have a loved one who needs a little care and lots of smiles, contact EJAI Loves Homecare in Florida to discuss their in-home care service. The team is ready to take your call and go through the options to give your loved one the help they deserve to stay in their own home. Greater independence through compassion and quality care together at home.
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Seize the day and contact EJAI Loves Homecare today to see how they can help you and your loved ones