Tiny Needle May Be Biggest Obstacle to Flu Protection

ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire - Dec 5, 2011) - This is National Influenza Vaccination Week, but not everyone will be racing to get their recommended protection. For at least 10 percent of adults and 30 percent of teens, their needle phobia is severe enough to cause them to avoid health care.

For needle phobics, admonitions such as "it's all in your head" aren't helpful -- or accurate, says Amy Baxter, MD, who researches needle pain. "We found that those who are more anxious about needles seem to actually feel pain more intensely. The good news is that the pain nerves are more sensitive to other sensations as well, so you can replace the fast pain alarm system with a continuous sensation that's stronger."

That scientific fact led Dr. Baxter to create Buzzy®, a palm-sized massager with a slot for ice cold wings. Buzzy is placed on the skin "between the brain and the pain" to confuse the pain nerves with cold and vibration. Initially created for children, there's been an overwhelming demand for Buzzy from adults, says Dr. Baxter.

Recognized with a 2011 Medical Design of Excellence Award, Buzzy's use extends beyond shots: a study in the December issue of Pediatric Emergency Care showed that the use of Buzzy during IV needle placement not only decreased pain, it also tripled the success rate for initial placement.

Buzzy is currently in over 300 hospitals, and has been adopted by families -- and adults -- who have medical conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, leukemia, arthritis and diabetes requiring regular shots. The company's website (www.buzzy4shots.com) highlights testimonials from users who have found it relieves the pain associated with shots and vaccines.

"I got Buzzy last fall and had my first flu vaccine ever," said Dianne Lazzari, 59. "At my age it's terrible to fear needles so much. I even had natural childbirth to keep from having a shot. Buzzy is one of the greatest inventions ever; it was truly amazing, I felt nothing."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) in 2005 to highlight the importance of continuing flu vaccination through the holiday season and beyond. This season's NIVW is scheduled for December 4-10, 2011.

Buzzy is available online at www.buzzy4shots.com.