It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious about having a vaccination. From fears surrounding needles and vaccines themselves, to the idea of being around long queues of people after a long period of lockdown.
However, although having the vaccination might seem daunting, here at stem4 we believe that no one should have to miss out on the opportunity to be vaccinated because of their anxiety or mental health. That’s why, when stem4 team member Rosie – who volunteers at her local vaccination centre – noticed rising levels of worry among those waiting to be vaccinated, we knew something needed to be done to provide extra support.
Through the combination of Rosie’s vaccination hub expertise, stem4’s years of experience helping young people to manage anxiety through the Clear Fear app, and psychology-based evidence of calming techniques, the ‘Take5 Controlled Breathing’ exercise video was born. The 2-minute video, sub-titled in English, is fully accessible and designed for all ages to benefit from, guiding anyone who needs support through taking a moment, breathing and remaining calm throughout the vaccination process. Though there is a wealth of informal information available on social media, apps and online for managing anxiety, stem4’s offering comes from sound psychological theory and practice, giving the video a scientific foundation, which we hope can truly help the public.
After plenty of positive feedback from members of the public, as well as clinicians and volunteers working in vaccination centres, we are proud to announce that the video is now showing at vaccination centres & GP hubs in Merton and beyond! We are truly delighted to be helping thousands of Londoners with managing their anxiety with their vaccination experience, especially as the cohort of those called up to the vaccine gets younger.
Please follow the advice of your medical provider in getting your vaccination, and remember to ‘Take5’ to reduce symptoms of anxiety before, during and after!
To display the video at your vaccination centre, surgery, or GP hub in the UK, please get in touch via rosie@stem4.org.uk. We can provide portrait and landscape videos suitable for screens, as well as links and QR codes to be included in appointment confirmation emails or texts.