As a clinical psychologist with over twenty years experience treating anxiety disorders I’ve seen the immense impact needle anxiety can have on people’s lives. Fear of needles is a highly prevalent problem (68% of children). The average child receives 20-30 immunisations before aged 18. It’s the most common, painful and feared procedure that children undertake. Needle procedures can also be highly stressful for caregivers and clinicians.Needle anxiety also results in avoidance of necessary medical care leading to poorer individual health outcomes and greater burden on healthcare systems. Anxiety during childhood immunisations is often poorly managed in routine care. Although simple distraction techniques are commonly used they are limited and variable in their efficacy. Where such methods fail, clinicians often resort to restraint which can be distressing and exacerbate children's anxiety and lead to the development of needle phobias. There is a strong need for an accessible and affordable solution which provides more positive vaccination experiences.IMAGINE IF:🌟 Kids could have a better experience of needles with less distress, anxiety and pain🌟 Clinicians didn’t need to resort to extreme measures such as restraint or sedation to administer the injections🌟 Parents didn't dread their children’s needle procedures🌟 Children could have a greater sense of control during needle procedures and walk away with confidence that they can handle it🌟 People didn’t have to go to great lengths to endure or avoid important medical care because of needle anxietyGET IN TOUCH:With a vision of reducing needle anxiety in kids, we’d love to connect with people directly impacted by this issue We’re also keen to connect with key industry figures who understand the value in tackling this wide-spread problemConnect via direct message or email kirsty@calmvax.com.au