Needlephobic, worrying about Honeymoon...

Are you sure you need vaccinations for all these destinations? When I went to Egypt last year (Luxor) I didn't need any. May be worth checking just to be sure x

Egypt is one of the worst - you were brave to go there without jabs!

As far as I know, we need to have Hepatitis A, Typhoid and an up to date Tetanus to go to Mexico. But I'm going to phone the travel agents tomorrow and see how essential they are. Not too keen on going without at least Hepatitis A though, prevention is better than cure....

Maybe I should just stick to Europe!!

Are you sure you need vaccinations for all these destinations?

I believe you should be able to access a needle phobia treatment on the NHS. This would involve a graded exposure to needles by someone trained in psychology. I know they do this in my area. I don't know if that's a postcode lottery.

Yes, vaccinations are needed - else I wouldn't be so worried

Greenbean, I've asked my GP about therapy for needlephobia before, but he seems very skeptical about these kinds of therapies. I may ask him again at some point, but I tend to agree with him - my phobia is a natural, if not exaggerated, reaction.

In many countries, it depends where you are staying. If, for example, you go to an all inclusive resort in Mexico (the type where you don't really see the country and could be anywhere in the world, cos you're locked away in a cushy 5* western enclave), it's very very unlikely you'll be exposed to anything nasty. If, however, you're backpacking and staying in 1* hostels, then jabs are more necessary. All about seeing the bigger picture and using common sense really. Do a personal risk assessment.

Example - ages ago I was in the Borneo jungle sleeping rough. I was recommended the rabies jab. However, at that time (no idea if it's still the same) the jab was not a total 100% prevention, and if bitten by a rabid animal I would have had to get to a hospital for a second jab and meds within 24hrs. Where I was, that wouldn't have been possible anyway, so I didn't bother with the jab. Being bitten by anything larger than a mozzie is pretty unlikely really, and I didn't fancy expensive jabs in my tummy.

The Masta website is pretty good for advice, since it bases it on the type of accommodation you are in. Other sites have much more precise info on specific areas within countries.

I want to go to Hawaii for our honeymoon!

This would involve a graded exposure to needles by someone trained in psychology. I know they do this in my area.

I think it's good that your GP is normalising it - it's nice to know you are not the only one who struggles with this kind of thing, and that it's not a big deal that makes you odd in anyway. However, if it is something that is affecting the way you live your life (e.g. stopping you from going on holidays) then it is something that you have the right to seek treatment for if you wish. Most phobias are built upon some kind of rational fear e.g. spiders, heights. This does not make you less deserving of help if that is what you want. The evidence base for exposure based work for such things is very good, and it should not take that many sessions.

I empathise with your situation as its often hard for other people to approach people with phobias in a way that is appopriate, I often find they are either minimised as nothing to worry about or that it's worrying or silly.

Or you can try self help methods. There is a leaflet here which might be useful https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Needle-Phobia-Booklet1.pdf or I can point out some other resources if this is something you might find useful.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do x

Somebody else has already mentioned this, but I also went to Egypt without jabs! Might be worth double checking x

We're getting married in turkey next year, no jabs needed at all. I am also v needle phobic so chose our destination around this. Some beautiful places in turkey, lots of history and only a 4 hour flight

We have booked for Mexico! Jabs are reccomended but not essential. Doctor is giving me valium and I'm going to try to be brave.

I don't see it going well.

Hi

I too have a phobia of needles, and tbh ive been all over the world without jabs - thats how bad it is!

Im not recommending this ofcourse, but my doctor wasnt a nice to provide me with anything so I made that choice!

I would go for it, ive previously gone and had injections after taking a sleeping pill which helps - so you are a bit more drousy.

good luck!