Stop showing needles

I agree with Bill Lewis’ letter that concerned seeing injections. I grew up with a needle phobia. Really, I was such a needle weenie as a child, I’d go berserk in the doctor’s office, and my mom and the nurses would have to hold me down for injections. I know I pitched such a fit, it would not have surprised me to hear a nurse utter, “Just let him die!” Sheesh.

Dr. Etter was my pediatrician as I was growing up in Memphis. (Side note: He was present when Patton slapped the soldier in World War II.) He did not like to give kids shots and avoided it when possible, but in my young mind, his younger partner Dr. Olsen seemed to always give shots. If I saw Etter was out and Olsen was in, Mom could barely get me out of the car.

So now I’m of an age that needles are a part of life, although I still do not like them (who does?) and never will.

My wife and I did get the vaccine as soon as we were eligible. However, I truly hate to watch those needles (hundreds by now on TV) being thrust into arms. No, it does not desensitize me, and it makes me wonder how many others are absolutely terrified to get the vaccines simply because they too have an aversion to needles. My wife comments on it every time and just looks away.

It is hardly likely that Bill, my wife, and I are the only ones. So what’s the point of showing those injections every time the television is turned on? I can’t imagine seeing that makes anyone want to get one. TV folks, be an Etter, not an Olsen. Knock it off!

TIM GREEN

North Little Rock