December 29, 2009

The H1N1 Saga

Who knew it would be so difficult to schedule H1N1 shots for my daughters? OK, those of you who have tried to schedule appointments probably knew it would be difficult. First, I tried to make arrangements for us to go to one of the free clinics offered by our local health department. I nixed that when I learned they were only offering the nasal spray. I just didn't like what I read about the spray. Plus, after hearing what other parents endured I wasn't sure my daughters could patiently stand in the long lines at the clinics. Then I tried to make an appointment through our pediatrician, but was told since my daughters are 4 years old they're not "high risk."
Finally, the pediatrician's office received a big supply of the vaccine and started scheduling all its patients. We went for our first shot. I took them by myself. Big mistake. The entire drive to the office they talked about their shot. They were mellow... until we walked in the room for the shots. All four of them started screaming and crying hysterically. Roo tried to kick me. Can you blame her? These same girls had five vaccinations each a few months ago. They really wanted nothing to do with needles. Fortunately lollipops after the H1N1 vaccine helped.
Now I'm trying to discreetly schedule their second dose. I can't even say "shot" around them without having someone eek out a few tears. I keep calling it "H1N1." Have you seen the Chef Boyardee commercial where the mom starts banging pots and pans when someone mentions vegetables? That's how I feel when someone says "shot."
The pediatrician's office offers the follow up on two days... not easy to manage when you're juggling preschool and work. Right now we have an appointment scheduled and I'm frantically trying to find a "volunteer" to come with me. Hubby has to work and I just can't do it by myself again. My hope is to have someone stay in the waiting room with the girls and I'll take them back one at time. I'm hoping this will eliminate some of the trauma. Wish me luck!

8 comments:

maryanne said...

Good luck! We're thankfully done with H1N1 shots (we were high-risk thanks to Lily being under 6 months), but I'm not looking forward to Emma's 4yr shots in February. She got so upset over her regular flu shot that she nearly passed out - thankfully she switched to just screaming for both H1N1 shots. Our pediatrician works on-site at my husband's company, so it's pretty easy for him to come over to help with shots. Good luck finding a "volunteer"!

Quadmama said...

Wow! I can't believe Emma almost passed out... how traumatizing for her and you! After our 4 year vaccinations the pediatrician told my girls it will be a few years before they need more shots. I wish she hadn't said that because they brought that up when they received their regular flu shot and their first H1N1.

reanbean said...

Good luck with round two! I hope you can find someone to go with you. I hate going to the pediatrician with my two by myself and have only done it a handful of times. It's just so much easier with someone else there.

We still have not been able to schedule our H1N1 boosters after receiving the first shots in early November. So jealous that you'll be all done soon.

Quadmama said...

When we had our first shot the office wasn't scheduling for the second dose... but received a large quantity about a week ago. I checked their website daily to make sure I was one of the first to schedule an appointment.

Stephanie Barr said...

I do wish you luck. You're doing the right thing despite the trauma. I have a friend who's tenant lost a ten month old baby to H1N1 a month ago.

I hate the drama of shots, but there are worse ones.

Quadmama said...

A lot of my coworkers have had H1N1 lately, so I'm concerned about being a carrier and bringing it home. One of my coworkers told me in detail how scary it was for her to be hospitalized with it and then turn around and spend time in the hospital with her toddler who came down with it.

Unknown said...

My youngest got a lot of shots when she was little. She would have me hug her tight, bury her head under my chin, and then say "ok." It seemed to help her.

Quadmama said...

It's worth trying!

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