Anxiety about COVID-19 vaccines

It’s understandable to feel anxious about the COVID-19 vaccines. Regardless of whether you’ve had one, multiple or none.

They’re relatively new to our lives. And there’s so much information – and misinformation – in many different places.

This can lead to feelings of confusion, uncertainty and fear.

Here are ways to help you manage those feelings and support your mental health.

On this page

Manage your information intake

Learn how to cope with uncertainty

Create your go-to anxiety strategy

Supporting someone who feels anxious about COVID-19 vaccines

Dealing with conflict with family or friends

Reach out for support

Manage your information intake

If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed by the amount of information on COVID-19 vaccines, consider taking these steps.

Assess the credibility of information

Consider the source and whether the information is based on evidence.

Limit your screen time

Set aside a dedicated time to consume media. Turning off social media notifications or removing apps from your phone can help you stick to your allocated screen time.

Avoid, unfollow or unsubscribe

Try not to consume content that triggers anxious feelings.

Learn more about these and other ways to ease information overload.

Learn how to cope with uncertainty

It's natural to feel worried or anxious if you're uncertain about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Here are some steps that may help bring a sense of security, stability and calm.

  • Recognise and accept your feelings without trying to change them.
  • Try to shift your focus onto the things in your life that you can control. Set a clear plan for each day with manageable goals and tasks.
  • Following basic day-to-day routines and rituals, and prioritising self-care can also help.

Learn more about these and other ways to cope with uncertainty.

Create your go-to anxiety strategy

There are simple but powerful steps you can take to make anxiety more manageable.

Build a strategy you can turn to any time you feel anxious about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Try these anxiety management strategies to find what works best for you.

Supporting someone who feels anxious about COVID-19 vaccines

Here are ways you can approach and support someone you care about who feels anxious about COVID-19 vaccines.

Acknowledge

Helping someone feel heard can go a long way. Acknowledge their concerns and reinforce that it’s understandable to feel the way they do.

Respect

Listen with care and respect. Making them feel judged or embarrassed won’t have a positive impact on their perspective.

Share

You don’t have to be an expert on the facts to help.

  • Consider talking about your own experience. This may bring them comfort.
  • If they show interest, you could share COVID-19 vaccine information or advice that you found valuable.
  • If they have a trusted GP, encourage them to make an appointment to discuss their concerns.  

Dealing with conflict with family or friends

Use these steps if you find yourself in conflict with a loved one about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Set a respectful tone

Try to remove emotion. Make it clear that your goal is to understand their position. Not to argue or change their mind. This can help you find common ground.

Agree to disagree

You can care for someone and disagree with them. There are many reasons a person could have a different position to you. Don’t feel you have to give up your own views. Consider how you can accept their view, agree to disagree, and maintain your relationship around that.

Set boundaries

It may help to set boundaries around how much you talk with them about vaccines. If conflict persists, you may need to set boundaries for how much you engage with each other. Setting boundaries can feel uncomfortable. But they are key to maintaining healthy relationships and protecting your mental health.

Reach out for support

If you’re struggling to manage your feelings about COVID-19 vaccines or have even the slightest concern, don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

Find ways you can get free mental health support.