News & Stories for Oregonians
When Antonio Gonzalez showed up recently for his COVID booster, it was all he could do not to turn and walk out. But intent on doing his part to keep himself and others safe, he stayed – even though it meant he could pretty much count on passing out. Gonzalez suffers from trypanophobia – the fear of needles, a fear that has plagued him nearly all his life.
Is a fear of needles preventing you or a loved one from getting a COVID-19 vaccine? You are not alone. Scientists estimate that as many as 25 percent of Americans suffer from trypanophobia, a fear of blood or needles. Fear of needles prevents millions of people from getting the care they need to live long, healthy lives. As many as 16 percent of people in the U.S. don’t get a yearly flu vaccination because they dread getting a […]
