Dr. Amy Baxter was one of several experts consulted for this article about needle fear by Hillel Hoffmann for the Medical Bag website. There are several Q&A that help explain the impact of needle fear on public health. The medical community needs to recognize that needle fear is real and common.
“In 2012, a Harris Interactive survey for Target found that 60% of the people intended to skip a flue shot that year, and 23% of those folks were doing so because they didn’t like needles. Avoiding shots because of needle fear isn’t limited to the civilian population. According to a review of research published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing in 2018, 8% of healthcare workers at hospitals and 27% of all hospital workers avoid influenza vaccination because of needle fear.”
Despite multiple studies documenting needle hesitancy and needle fear, the medical community at large is failing to acknowledge or take action. This lack of action has very serious repercussions for in terms of fighting a pandemic.
Access the complete article via this link
Additional information on needle fear and phobia can be found on this page.
