Dr. Meghan McMurtry, a professor in the Department of Psychology, contributed a commentary to The Globe and Mail about how those with a high degree of fear of needles can conquer their fear in order to get the new COVID-19 vaccines.

McMurtry, who researches pain and health in children and adolescents, explained that a form of cognitive behavioural therapy called exposure therapy can be highly beneficial in reducing anxiety. Learning muscle tension techniques can also help to avoid the risk of fainting.

McMurtry recently contributed to new World Health Organization guidelines for managing chronic pain in children. She was the sole psychologist on the panel as well as one of only three Canadians.

A clinical and health psychologist with the Pediatric Chronic Pain Program at McMaster Children’s Hospital, McMurtry is also an associate scientist at the Children’s Health Research Institute.