Support for people anxious or distressed about vaccinations

Many people, including disabled and autistic people, may show signs of anxiety and distress when it comes to injections and needles. These free resources have been developed to help (linked below).

• Explore Specialist Advice (part of Healthcare NZ) has a COVID-19 vaccination e-learning module for people assisting disabled and/or autistic people. Explore also provides virtual 1:1 support for disabled and autistic people, their whānau, family, friends and support workers, through video conferencing or phone.  You’ll find resources and more information on the Healthcare NZ website.
• On the Autism NZ website there’s a short social story (with pictures) for anyone wanting a step-by-step explanation of what happens at a vaccine appointment. (Note that the wait time after getting the vaccine is no longer the 20 minutes mentioned in the story).
• On the Ministry of Health website, there are several resources in Alternate Format (Easy Read, NZ Sign Language, Large print and audio), including a guide to the COVID-19 vaccine, information about before, getting and after a vaccine, and decision-making tools.
• IMAC has developed a useful factsheet that provides recommendations on managing vaccinations of people who are fearful of needles.