I have tried to leave the vacuum in the room. He will not go near it. If it is in a doorway he will not leave that room. I have tried talking to him while I vacuum to reassure him. And I have also held him and talked to him while I vacuum. Nothing helps.
I still use it when he is around hoping that someday he will get over this fear. But my other family members will not use it unless someone is their to take him elsewhere.