Flu vaccine....

[Bella1185]

this is NOT a debate about vaccinations


DD went for her 3 year old check up today. Of course she hasn't been sick in ages, but this morning she woke up with a cold and feeling a bit nauseous. Phoned the office and they said that's fine, bring her in anyway, so off we went. When she checked in, she had a low grade fever of 99.9 - but she seemed in good spirits and appointment went just fine.

However towards the end the doctor asked if I wanted her to have a flu vaccination and in the same breath said that it's fine to give despite her having a low grade fever. That struck me as odd so I asked him 'Wouldn't it be counter productive to do so, like why challenge her body more when she is already working on fighting something off? How do we know her fever won't increase throughout the day?' He acted put off that I even asked anything - slightly rolled his eyes and said "whatever you want to do" - so I said "No. I don't feel comfortable with that. She won't be getting it." He didn't say a word and just walked out. So I figured, he was rude - I don't want her getting the shot and we won't be seeing this pediatrtician again - and just started packing up.

Next thing I know - here comes the nurse in with a needle and syringe ready to give DD the flu vaccine?! I explained no thank you, she has a touch of a fever and its not happening. The nurse busts out a thermometer and scans DDs head again and says "oh she's only 100 degrees! It should be fine" and started removing the cap!

I just picked up DD and left half expecting one of them to chase me down the hallway trying to give her the vaccine!

Is that weird?? Also - even though it's not "technically" a fever - doesn't it seem odd to offer a flu vac when a child is ill? It all seemed really odd to me.....

 

[krissie328]

I would find that odd! I was refused a flu shot a couple years ago because I had a similar temp. I would also be really upset by both the doctor and especially the nurse.

 

[Bella1185]

^yep! Thanks it was WEIRD! First time with this doctor at the practice - guess we won't be seeing him again!

 

[Midnight_Fairy]

That is very odd.

 

[Babybump87]

I would be fuming if this happened to me !. Our girls are booked into have the spray but if they are unwell on the day will be getting cancelled.

Some doctors can be very pushy! !.

 

[happynewmom1]

That's super weird to me. Our son just went in to get his flu shot and they asked more than once if he is even a little unwell because they don't want to give it if he is sick at all. I'd be really upset if they were to do something like that with one of our kids.

 

[kirstybumx3]

That's really strange. I thought it was a nasal spray for children too. Does it differ in other areas?
I'd be so cross with that!

 

[Bella1185]

Well thanks everybody! Just the whole situation made me uneasy - and I truly don't understand the insistence on pushing it? Especially with a sick kiddo.

You all made me feel better! Thanks again

 

[Scout]

I'd be moving on too. The doctor sounds like a jerk to roll his eyes and the nurse was out of line. A no is a no whether the child is sick or not.

That's really strange. I thought it was a nasal spray for children too. Does it differ in other areas?
I'd be so cross with that!

The US won't do the spray this year as it's been ineffective against the strains we have had over the past 3 years.

 

[smurff]

My 2 children had the nasal spray a few weeks back. I was asked before they had them if they were feeling unwell, or had a temp in the last few days as any raised temp would mean they couldn't give it.
Theres no way I'd have allowed them to give them a flu jab/spray if my child had a temp. I would change practice if that happened.

 

[lau86]

I would be upset as you've said no and they've tried to carry on and coerce you into doing it. Whether or not she has a temp and whether it's ok to give with a temp you've said no and you are consenting for her. Completely out of order

 

[MindUtopia]

That's not only weird, that's incredibly unprofessional and I would be making a complaint. You're right, it isn't recommended to get the flu vaccine if you have any infection of any sort, so like a cold, have a fever, or a GI infection. I get the flu shot every year because I'm in a high risk group and my daughter has gotten it too the past two years, and yes, they should risk screen you before to check for any symptoms of an infection. If you have any signs of a cold or a fever or have been vomiting or whatever, they are supposed to wait until the infection passes. It's just that the vaccine won't work as well if they don't (never mind that if your immune system is already working overtime, it doesn't need to be doing anymore work trying to build up influenza antibodies).

So besides the fact that's just clinically bad information, yes, it's incredibly inappropriate to try to coerce any treatment without consent. I would put in a complaint to the practice and I would find a new doctor.