I have wrote a letter before but this one is very different. I am only 12 and I started secondary in september time. I am very nervous about year 8 because we have a jab at the end of it. This has been worrying me since yr 6 and I can't stop thinking about it. I really don't want to get it done and I have a choice but it's a jab or I'm twice as likely to get cancer (its a cancer jab) I am very nervous and just need some advice on what to do. Thanks
Sam
Hi there,
A fear of having a jab is not unusual. Often the worries and nerves about things like injections can be worse than the actual experience. Nurses understand people can feel anxious and will do their best to help you relax and make the jab as painless as possible. Having a look at our Phobias message board should help you to get ideas and support from other people.
Sometimes sharing worries can really help to get rid of them. If you’ve not spoken to anyone about this it might be good to mention it to someone you trust such as a teacher. It can often help to have the reason for the jab explained to you and how it will help and benefit you now and in later life.
Remember, you do still have plenty of a time to make a decision about whether or not to have the jab. If you notice that you are starting to worry about it again you could try using some of the ideas from our info about managing anxiety.
If you'd like to talk about it more you can speak to a Childline counsellor at any time.
Take care,
Sam
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