Many healthcare environments make it too stressful for people to get the care they need, including vaccination. Many people have healthcare anxiety and trauma, needle phobia, sensory processing differences that make it uncomfortable to receive healthcare in the traditional settings. Many people are also just looking for a gentle, laid back setting where they have autonomy over their experience. All Brains Belong has teamed up with the Vermont Department of Health with support from the Vermont Family Network’s Confident Care for Kids Program to offer a personalized vaccine experience that allows participants to design their own experience.
When is the Next ABB vaccination clinic?
We do not currently have additional public vaccination clinics scheduled. Check back in Summer 2023. In the meantime, we offer educational consultations to healthcare practices / other organizations looking to learn how to provide sensory-informed neuroinclusive healthcare.
What happens at a Personalized Vaccination Clinic?
Participants in our vaccine clinics can sample ABB’s “Universal Design for Healthcare” Menu (we offer a more extended version to all of our primary care patients) to create a customized, comfortable experience. This includes:
- Multiple settings available (including in your own car!)
- Customized sensory and stress management supports/tools available – donated by the Vermont Family Network
- On-site occupational therapists
- Social story photo & other preparation materials courtesy of the Vermont Family Network’s Confident Care for Kids Program
Why Is This Important?
We know that vaccination is the best way to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the short-term and long-term effects of COVID-19.
We all have different brains that find different settings most comfortable. We are fortunate in Vermont to have multiple different places to receive vaccination (schools, state vaccination sites, pharmacies, etc). But even so, MANY MANY MANY people find those settings stressful. Many people seek a quiet, laid back alternative where they can have a more personalized experience.
What parts of the environment may stress people out? Many people are overwhelmed by crowds. Many people have needle phobia. Many people have healthcare anxiety / trauma related to past stressful experiences. And the list goes on.
At ABB, we believe that people should be given multiple options for how to receive their healthcare. People should be allowed to choose what works best for them. Universal design benefits everyone. Everyone benefits from flexibility, freedom and choice.
Learn More about ABB’s Personalized COVID Vaccination Experience
