With us, it is eldest with the needle phobia, although three years of desense shots helped with that (and it was mild to start with). But I have permission from them to 'surprise' them if there are going to be needles, such as if we are all getting 'flu shots. And for them, it includes any discussion of needles, or other people getting them, etc. I'm sympathetic -- I have the physiological symptoms of needle phobia, without any of the mental aspects, although even that is getting better (I had to give injections to pigeons during my uni years. I could only do this sitting down).