The cross-sectional observational study evaluated the prevalence and predictors of needle-fear among school-going children during mass Measles-Rubella (MR) immunization campaign (year 2017) in the north Indian city of Chandigarh. Fear of needle was assessed using a single-item self-report global question, anxiety was assessed using the Likert scale (score 1–5) and the standardized “Children Faces Scale” where facial responses were graded from 0 to 4. Out of a total sample of 2568 school children, 1225 (47.7%) reported needle fear (95% CI: 45.8%–49.6%) on a global single item assessment. On an anxiety related Likert scale, 52.3% did not respond (mainly younger children) and among those who responded, 42.6% (523/1226) showed significant anxiety (score of ≥3 on Likert scale of 1 to 5). Finally, 17.4% children (95% CI: 15.9%–18.9%) (n = 446/2568) scored 2 or above (indicating significant needle fear) on the ‘Children Faces Scale’ during the actual vaccination procedure. The needle fear were significantly increased among girl students as compared to boys (adjusted OR 2.58; 95% CI: 2.05–3.24, p < 0.001) as well as children accompanied by their parents (adjusted OR 2.05; 95% CI:1.57–2.69, p < 0.001). On the other hand, needle fear was significantly lowered in children studying in private schools as compared to public school children (adjusted OR 0.45; 95% CI: 0.28–0.74, p = 0.002). The needle fear, which was an overriding concern in the minds of girls, children accompanied by their parents, and public-school students, must be proactively addressed for successful mass vaccination campaigns. These findings assume further importance with recent international roll out of COVID 19 vaccine.

横断面观察研究评估了印度北部城市昌迪加尔 (Chandigarh) 大规模麻疹-风疹 (MR) 免疫运动（2017 年）期间上学儿童的针头恐惧患病率和预测因素。使用单项自我报告全球问题评估对针头的恐惧，使用李克特量表（得分 1-5）和标准化的“儿童面孔量表”评估焦虑，其中面部反应从 0 到 4 分。在 2568 名学童的总样本中，1225 名 (47.7%) 在全球单项评估中报告了针恐惧症 (95% CI: 45.8%–49.6%)。在与焦虑相关的李克特量表中，52.3% 的人没有反应（主要是年幼的儿童），而在有反应的人中，42.6% (523/1226) 表现出明显的焦虑（李克特量表 1 至 5 分≥3）。最后，17.4% 的儿童 (95% CI: 15.9%–18.9%) (n  = 446/2568) 在实际疫苗接种过程中，在“儿童面部量表”上得分 2 或以上（表明严重的针头恐惧）。与男孩相比（调整后的 OR 2.58；95% CI：2.05-3.24， p  < 0.001）以及有父母陪伴的儿童（调整后的 OR 2.05；95% CI：1.57-2.69），女学生的针头恐惧显着增加, p < 0.001)。另一方面，与公立学校儿童相比，私立学校儿童的针头恐惧显着降低（调整后的 OR 0.45；95% CI：0.28-0.74，p = 0.002)。对于成功的大规模疫苗接种运动，必须积极解决针头恐惧，这是女孩、父母陪同的儿童和公立学校学生最关心的问题。随着最近在国际上推出 COVID 19 疫苗，这些发现变得更加重要。