Vaccination Against COVID-19: Crucial Information on Dizziness and Fainting
In the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination has become a crucial tool. However, it's important to acknowledge that anxiety-related reactions to vaccination are a recognised issue, particularly among those who have pre-vaccination concerns.
Research indicates that pre-vaccination worries about side effects significantly increase anxiety scores in vaccinated populations[1][3]. This is not unique to adults; adolescents, too, may be affected. While specific prevalence data for adolescents is limited, broader pandemic mental health studies show elevated anxiety and depression levels among this age group early in the COVID-19 pandemic[2].
Adolescents were among the groups with higher anxiety levels during the pandemic-related mental health trajectory studies. However, direct numeric prevalence of anxiety reactions post-vaccination in adolescents alone is not reported in the search results[4]. Perceptions that vaccines cause reactions were held by about 46.6% of respondents in a recent survey[5], which may indirectly reflect anxiety prevalence linked to fears about side effects.
To help reduce anxiety, it's recommended to develop a plan with the child, ensuring they feel confident and fully informed of the process. Hydration is also essential, so adolescents should drink at least 500 millimeters of water approximately 30 minutes before their vaccination. Parents and guardians should talk with the adolescent to understand their fears and discuss real or perceived risks before the vaccination appointment[6].
Comfortable, loose clothing should be worn to make it easy to access the arm where the injection will take place. If a child struggles with a severe needle phobia, consulting with a pediatrician to determine whether a one-time dose of an anxiety medication might be appropriate could be considered[7].
Deep breaths, drinking water, and eating a snack can help prevent or fight feelings of faintness and lightheadedness. Anxiety-related responses to vaccination often occur around 5-10 minutes after inoculation and can include fainting or feeling faint, variations in heart rate, feeling nauseous or vomiting, feeling lightheaded or dizzy, and sweaty, clammy skin[8].
Not everyone who experiences a stress-related reaction will feel actively nervous before the shot. In fact, WHO data published in 2016 suggest that anxiety-related reactions after a vaccine are usually within the first 15 minutes of vaccination and mostly involve school-age children[9]. Staying distracted by chatting to someone, playing a game on the phone, or listening to music before and after the vaccination can help offset anxiety[10].
Recent reports of fainting after receiving the single-shot Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine have raised concerns. If a person faints, they should remain in a lying down position as they come to[11]. Dr. Tom Shimabukuro, deputy director of the Immunization Safety Office at the CDC, noted that fainting and dizziness or lightheadedness are fairly common after vaccination[11].
The CDC found that these cases did not occur in reaction to the vaccine itself, but were anxiety-related responses[11]. Approximately 25% of people who had anxiety-related reactions after receiving the Janssen vaccine also reported similar reactions after other previous vaccinations[11].
In conclusion, while direct data on anxiety reactions to vaccination in adolescents is limited, it's crucial to address vaccine-related anxieties to ensure a smooth and stress-free vaccination experience for all, particularly for this vulnerable group.
- Vaccine-related anxiety levels among adolescents have been elevated during the COVID-19 pandemic, as indicated by broader mental health studies.
- Perceptions about vaccines causing reactions were held by nearly half of respondents in a recent survey, potentially reflecting anxiety prevalence related to fears about side effects.
- To reduce anxiety, it's recommended to develop a plan with the child, being confident, informed, and openly discussing perceived risks.
- Hydration and loose clothing are essential for easy access to the injection site and to prevent or fight feelings of faintness and lightheadedness.
- Severe needle phobia might be addressed through consultation with a pediatrician to consider a one-time dose of an anxiety medication.
- Anxiety-related responses to vaccination can occur around 5-10 minutes after inoculation, with symptoms including fainting, heart rate variations, feelings of nausea and dizziness, and clammy skin.
- While anxiety-related reactions after a vaccine are usually within the first 15 minutes of vaccination, they can happen even without active pre-vaccination nervousness.
- The CDC has found that reported fainting occurrences after the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine were actually anxiety-related responses, not adverse effects of the vaccine itself.
