Question reference: S6W-02721
- Asked by: Christine Grahame, MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 3 September 2021
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Current status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 21 September 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what data it has on the number of people eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine but who are unable to have one due to needle phobia; what support is provided to such people, and, for the purposes of COVID-19 vaccination certification, whether such a phobia is considered a valid exemption, and, if so, what evidence would be required to secure an exemption.
Answer
The Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland do not currently hold data on the number of people eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine who are unable to receive one due to needle phobia.
As every individual case is different, all those who suffer from needle phobia should initially seek support from their GP, clinician or local health board so that adjustments can be made to accommodate their specific needs. Their local medical team will be more aware of their specific requirements. The staff delivering the vaccines are skilled and experienced, and will be used to dealing with more nervous patients, some of whom have phobias.
Phobias are not covered under the current version of the vaccination certification policy, and are therefore not considered a valid exemption.