Publish date: 24 June 2022


Well done to Alana, a young woman with learning disabilities, Autism and needle phobia, who succeeded in receiving two doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

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Photo from left - right: Marie Houston (Senior Community Nurse), Alana, Alana’s Mum, Shivani Jalli (Psychology Assistant)

Her story began in early May 2021, when she was referred to the Nursing Team’s desensitisation programme. This programme was carried out in her best interest, as she lacked capacity to consent to the vaccination.

As part of the programme, Alana was introduced to equipment - such as an empty syringe, cotton wool and plasters - to mimic the vaccination process and put her at ease. She was also given an easy-read desensitisation social story to support her understanding of the coronavirus, and the vaccination itself.

Alana was initially afraid of the empty syringe and wouldn't even sit next to Shivani, the Assistant psychologist who held it, due to her fear. Using her love for books, the repetition of the weekly desensitisation programme with the same experienced learning disability staff, she gradually engaged and allowed the staff to sit beside her and press the empty syringe against her skin.

After months of this desensitisation work, Marie, Alana’s Learning Disability nurse attempted the first injection. This wasn't successful as Alana became too fearful of the injection. Sadly, her father had also passed away within weeks of this vaccine attempt and so the desensitisation programme was put on hold to allow the family and Alana to grieve the loss.

In October 2021 desensitisation resumed at Ealing Hospital where Alana, her family, and the Community Team for People with Learning Disabilities (CTPLD) were over the moon to report that she was able to have her first injection!

Marie worked so hard to support Alana, pressing the empty syringe onto her arm as they had practiced, whilst Alana held her mother’s hand. At the right moment, Marie swapped the empty syringe with the real Pfizer vaccine and carried out the injection. Emla cream was also used in advance to numb the area, which helped ease the process for Alana and further desensitise her fears.

Following the positive experience and building of trust, Alana proceeded to have her second vaccine with the same regim successfully in her home. She had not once seen the real needle during this process.

Her booster vaccination has also been planned at her home in the next few weeks. Due to Alana’s consistent engagement in the programme, and the repeated support from Ealing CTPLD staff, Alana has had two Covid vaccinations and now - through the same desensitisation process - is able take lateral flow tests (LFTs) and is planning her much anticipated holiday abroad.

Well done Alana!