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Afraid of Needles? You're Not Alone : Short Wave Many people are afraid of needles in some capacity — about 1 in 10 experience a "high level" of needle fear, says clinical psychologist Meghan McMurtry. But that fear is often underrecognized or misunderstood. That's why today's show is all about needle fear: what it is, tools to cope, and why it's important to address beyond the pandemic.

Some strategies Meghan suggests to help cope with the fear of needles:

- the CARD System for adults: bit.ly/3nHIKlw
- muscle tension technique: bit.ly/3CBki9Z

Listen to Tom's reporting on needle fear: https://truestoriesinsound.wordpress.com/2021/08/09/needle-phobia/

Reach the show by emailing shortwave@npr.org.

Short Wave

Afraid of Needles? You're Not Alone

Afraid of Needles? You're Not Alone

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A nurse holds a vial of Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. Patrick Meinhardt/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Patrick Meinhardt/AFP via Getty Images

A nurse holds a vial of Moderna Covid-19 vaccine.

Patrick Meinhardt/AFP via Getty Images

Back in March, Tom Tomezsko prepared himself for a last-minute trip to CVS. He packed lots of water, some candy, and a bag of frozen peas — all in preparation for a vaccine appointment.

Tom has a fear of needles.

As he reported for Columbia Journalism School, this fear makes doing things like getting a COVID vaccine — which Tom wanted — difficult. And Tom is not alone. According to clinical psychologist Meghan McMurtry, around 1 in every 10 people experience a "high level" of needle fear.

Meghan says there are strategies both patients and clinicians can implement to make the vaccination experience as comfortable as possible. One strategy is the CARD method. Another, for those who are prone to fainting? Muscle tension.

Listen to Tom's reporting on needle fear.

Reach the show by emailing shortwave@npr.org.

This episode was produced by Rebecca Ramirez and Viet Le. Viet also edited this episode. Berly McCoy checked the facts. Thanks to Tom Tomezsko for pitching the idea for this episode and editorial help!