thread: Scared to get him vaccinated

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Jan 2011
    Perth, WA
    1,245

    Scared to get him vaccinated

    My DS is 12.5 months (9mths corrected) and he has not had his 6 mth vaccinations.
    Bad i know...
    I delay vax because of his extreme prematurity (my choice)
    But I have also realised I am putting of because I don't want any one else sticking him with needles causing him pain...he went through 15 weeks in the nursery being *****ed and poked everyday, he has also been hospitalised since...more needles and procedures, he recently had to have blood tests and they had to take a lot of blood for various test and they couldn't find a vein that wasn't shot from all the canulas and lines he has had...it took 4 people to try and about 10 goes to finally get enough blood...it left both of us traumatised.
    Also I am worried about reactions and him going of his food...he is only 5.6kg as it is.
    I know I need to bite the bullet and just do it but it it is hard to get over the anxiety.
    Any tips to help would really be appreciated
    Tia

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Dec 2005
    In Bankworld with Barbara
    14,222

    Well the vaccinations are over and done with pretty quick, so it's not usually a drawn out process. You could get an Emla patch to put on him for an hour or so before he has them to numb the area?

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Jan 2011
    Perth, WA
    1,245

    Well the vaccinations are over and done with pretty quick, so it's not usually a drawn out process. You could get an Emla patch to put on him for an hour or so before he has them to numb the area?
    I know they are quick...but it is more my anxiety over the thought of any more needles going into his little body...I just can't handle more being done to him.
    I haven't heard of the patches...may have to look them up thanks

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Nov 2006
    brisbane
    3,975

    My accupuncurist aslo suggested warming up the vial with your hands to body temp so its not cold going in. Are you breastfeeding? If so he will be getting antibodies from you I think. Maybe you could do one needle then wait a bit then another? Its a hard descion especially when like you said he has had his fair share of poking and prodidng

  5. #5
    BellyBelly Member

    Mar 2009
    1,385

    You don't have to get him done right now if the time doesn't feel right. It is ok to delay vax.
    I understand the trauma of watching your little one being held down and poked with needles. My DS had to have a blood test at 3 months and it was just awful.. For both of us!
    Hugs xx

  6. #6
    BellyBelly Member
    Add kawazuki on Facebook

    Dec 2008
    Paradise. QLD
    2,288

    go and talk to your nurse, they will help.
    they may be able to set a plan up for doing them later.
    or doing one at a time over an extended period.

    there is no rush, and if your anxious he will pick up on it and it will make it a very bad experience for you.
    vaccinating should never be a bad experience.

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Jan 2011
    Perth, WA
    1,245

    Thank you very much for all your replies...and for reasurring me I am not a nut
    I will talk to his pead...she is a bit more approchable I just hope she is as understanding as you have been.

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Oct 2008
    SA
    1,078

    Hun, I totally understand where you're coming from....and you are not a nut. My DD is a 25 weeker and I trundled along for her 4 months vax thinking it would all be fine. She had been out of hospital for barely 6 weeks (she spent 4 months in total there) and it was long enough for me to forget the horrific things she went through on a daily basis. But with those jabs, with me holding her...well needless to say it all came flooding back and I was a mess. I am very anxious about taking her back again for the next ones (due next month). She had her initial jabs in hossy but they were delayed as she was critically ill, so the whole series will therefore be delayed for her. Doesn't make it any easier though.

    Have you got someone who can go along with you or support you? Definitely talk to your paed and the nurses about your concerns.

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Jan 2011
    Perth, WA
    1,245

    Thank you so much Infinity for responding...it is nice to hear from someone in the same position.
    My DS was born at 25 weeks also.
    They have such a hard time in the nursery you just want to protect them from everything.
    Maybe I am a little overly protective because we almost lost him to NEC and bowel perforation.
    How is your little one doing now?

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Dec 2009
    605

    I know nothing about premmie's or anything, but if I imagine myself in your position, I imagine I'd delay for another 6months. Just seems like more time needs to pass, especially with his weight, you definitely don't want him going off his food.
    No harm in delaying, just do your best to keep him away from risk as possible. It's not like he's in daycare or anything.
    Hope you come to a decision you can relax with.

  11. #11
    Registered User

    Oct 2008
    SA
    1,078

    How is your little one doing now?
    DD is doing very well. She came home at the end of October last year and is about 4 months corrected (almost 7.5 actual). She's tiny (hasn't even tipped 4.5kg yet) but breastfeeds like a champ and is generally a happy, settled little girl.

    DD also developed NEC which required surgical intervention. She had stomas for approximately 8 weeks while in NICU/SCN and had them reversed 9 days before she came home.

    Good luck talking to your paed about the vaccinations. Only you can do what feels right for you. At the end of the day I think all of them can be done on a schedule that you feel comfortable with. I think the rotavirus one is time specific though?

  12. #12
    Registered User

    Jan 2011
    Perth, WA
    1,245

    I finally made an appointment for him to have his 6 mth needles yesterday...I was also getting my 26mth old DD chicken pox vax (delay vax) and he woke with a temp of 28.3 and has a red throat, so once again my GP has delayed him.
    Maybe the universe is telling me to wait

    My DD has ended up with a horrible large, hard, red lump about the size of two 20c pieces next to each other

  13. #13
    BellyBelly Member
    Add kawazuki on Facebook

    Dec 2008
    Paradise. QLD
    2,288

    hun that is normal, as long as it isnt hot, and goes away in 24 hours