FEELING NERVOUS ABOUT HAVING THE FLU JAB?

CHECK OUT OUR TOP TIPS FOR STAYING CALM DURING YOUR APPOINTMENT

There is lots of information out there encouraging us all to get a flu jab ready for this winter, but what if the thought of an injection is stopping you from booking your vaccination?  Or maybe you’ve booked your appointment but are now worried about whether you can go through with it? 
 
Lots of people feel anxious about needles and injections so we have put together some useful tips that could help you manage your feelings of anxiety around having the flu vaccination.

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​First things first, it’s important to REMIND yourself why you should have the flu vaccine this year. Not only will you be protecting yourself from the flu this winter you will also help prevent the spread of the flu virus to others, particularly those who are vulnerable such as the elderly, people with medical conditions, pregnant women and children. The flu can be very serious and even if you are normally fit and well it can cause you to feel particularly unwell for up to two weeks, meaning you could miss work or struggle with family commitments. Remember the flu vaccine will only take a few minutes from arriving at the pharmacy and then you’ll be protected all winter.
 
PLAN your visit to the pharmacy by booking your appointment and arriving close to the time of your appointment to avoid any waiting time where you might start to feel more anxious.
 
When it’s time for your appointment our friendly Pharmacist will greet you and show you to our treatment room. At this point CHAT about how you are feeling and if you feel anxious just let us know. We are very experienced in giving vaccinations and we will do our best to put you at ease and explain the process. If it helps to keep your mind occupied, you can chat to us about your day/the weather/etc – whatever relaxes you! 
 
Another good technique is to DISTRACT yourself. Find a poster to concentrate upon, note the colours, images and words used. What is the poster saying to you, can you create new words from the letters in the wording? If you concentrate intently on something else, it’s a great way to distract your brain. You could also try counting to 10 slowly and by the time you reach 10 it will be all done! 

Connecting to our BREATH is the most effective way of calming our nerves when we feel anxious. For maximum impact you can practice deep breathing techniques in the days before your appointment and then once you arrive. Breathe all the way into your belly through your nose and then out through your mouth. You could try counting to 5 for each breath in and out, try this technique.
 
If your arm is tense, then the injection could be more painful so it’s important to RELAX your arm so that the muscle is not tense. Our Pharmacist will ensure that your arm is supported so that it can remain relaxed. 
 
Once it’s done take it easy, particularly if you have felt anxious beforehand. Get some fresh air and a drink of water and think about a little TREAT for yourself later that day. Perhaps a new magazine, snack, a movie or maybe a nice soak in the bath.  
 
And know that you took a really important step to protecting yourself and those around you from the flu virus this winter.

​Here again are our top tips for overcoming feelings of anxiety about having the flu vaccine:

• REMIND yourself why the flu vaccine is important 
• PLAN your visit so that you arrive on time
• CHAT to us about how you are feeling
• DISTRACT yourself by concentrating on a poster, counting to 10 etc
• BREATHE deeply and calmly, count to 5 as you inhale and exhale
• RELAX your arm
• TREAT yourself. You did it and you should be proud of yourself! 

 
To book your appointment click below – we are here to support you, however you are feeling about the vaccination.

Currently we are experiencing high demand for the flu vaccine appointments, sign up for newsletter and we will notify our subscribers when we are able to release more appointments. You can sign up by entering your details at the foot of this page. 

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