Dear Reader,

Assuming that you're talking about medically related injections, rather than "shots" of alcohol, here's some sugar that might help the medicine go in. Shots, or inoculations, are generally a safe and effective way of preventing diseases and other conditions, but lots of people, both children and adults, dread getting them. For most folks, the embarrassment of making a fuss (e.g., kicking and screaming, or making nurses or doctors chase you around the exam room) eventually outweighs the fear, and they learn to live with (but not like!) the occasional inoculation. By looking, in advance, for other ways to take the sting out of shots, you are showing maturity and courage.

To reduce trypanophobia (fear of injections), some doctors' offices use cooling sprays or anesthetic creams that will numb the skin before the shot. These products can make vaccinations virtually pain-free. Check with the providers where you get your inoculations to see if this is an option. You can also let your health care provider know about your fear. Not only is your health care provider probably familiar with your feelings; s/he may have some tricks up her/his sleeve that will make rolling yours up easier.

In the meantime, you might want to practice some do-it-yourself techniques recommended by the National Network for Child Care for making shots easier to take:

Education
Learn about how and why immunizations work and some of the diseases that they prevent. Understanding that enduring a few minutes of discomfort will save you from weeks or years of illness might make the "pinch" seem more bearable. Learning when you need to get shots, and choosing to get one in the morning or after school, which parent or adult you'd like to go with you, and even which arm to get it, will allow you to feel a bit more in control.

Distraction
Bring along a favorite book or hand-held video game for yourself during the visit. Younger kids may want a favorite stuffed animal. Spend the time before the vaccination enjoying your book, game, or toy, instead of worrying about the you-know-what.

Relaxation
Tensing yourself and your muscles before an inoculation can make the pain worse. Instead, practice taking deep, controlled breaths. When it comes time for the actual needle, blow out forcefully through your mouth (as though you were blowing out candles on a birthday cake). This will help keep you from tensing up. Never looking at the needle, and not watching when it enters the skin, may help, too.

Celebration
Plan a special treat to reward yourself for getting through the experience: an ice cream, a CD, a video that you've been saving your allowance to buy, or some special time spent one-on-one with a parent or someone else you love. Having a reward to look forward to can keep you focused on something positive rather than on your fear.

Your fear is a common one that needn't cause you embarrassment. By talking about your fear, and taking some steps to try relax, you may find you experience less anxiety when the time comes to get a shot. Good luck!

Alice

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