BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Vaccinations against the coronavirus are starting to roll out across the Commonwealth, but will a fear of needles keep some people from taking a shot in the arm?
Dr. Susan Sprich is the Director of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. She says trypanophobia, or the fear needles, could keep some people from wanting to get vaccinated, get blood drawn, or get any kind of medical treatment.
"Because of that anxiety, some people even avoid going to the doctor or dentist because they're afraid they may encounter a needle," she said. "So it can be quite extreme."
Dr. Sprich says there are options for someone who doesn't feel comfortable around the tip of a needle, and in extreme cases, therapy may be the best path.
"If they have anxiety thats impacting their life and preventing them from doing things they need to do, it is improtant they get help," she said, "and there are many ways they can do that."
WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas reports:
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Written by Brit Smith
(Photo: Getty Images)