DS - in a state panicking about Y9 immunisations. Please help me with techniques to calm him down

[ParentsPleaseBehave]

He keeps saying he’s terrified of needles. I don’t actually remember the last time he had them. Pre-school boosters? But he’s snowballing his fears and keeps saying things like “what if I break down at school”.

Not helped by DC1 who had them at school 2 years ago without a peep, winding him up about kids passing out in corridors and all sorts.

This isn’t a post about vaccinations. He will be having them! But any tips to help with his fears / anxiety would be very much appreciated.

This is all new to me and I want to do everything I can to help him.

Thank you

Why don't you book them at the GP surgery with the nurse where you can go and be with him.

I rang the surgery but they said no. Too many kids to get through and it would set a precedent.

Ask the school nurse. Maybe he can go first rather than queue up with the others winding him up

My son hasn’t had any boosters since preschool, are they vital?

Ok thanks. I don’t think there is a school nurse but I could try ringing the school. Hadn’t thought of that. Thank you!

Also do you fancy getting a flu jab? Maybe he could go with you and see it's no big deal

Year 9 tetanus, Diptheria, Polio and Meningitis.

Boris I could do. DC1 does. Interesting idea. Thanks

What do they have in yr9? I don't remember mine having any at secondary school?

I'm sure if you call the school they'll arrange for him to go first before they start the main schedule

Well, he could miss the day they do it in school and then the Drs office will have to do them.

My daughter was the same, I bought some Elma numbing cream from Boots, it really works, she couldn’t feel a thing! She’s was looking the other way and didn’t even know the injection had happened, this cream is used pre tattooing. Definitely worth trying.

Thenotes yes definitely worth a try.

Doctor that would be a real last resort as we both work and I hate them missing school. Fair point though!

Emla.

2020 you are a star. Thank you for that.

How old is your son? Mine is 14 and def hasn’t had any of those, Scotland though so schedule perhaps different.

You can have Emla cream prescribed to numb the skin, he could tru some guided mediation/headphones on whilst doing it, as someone else said phone the school nurse for advice. Seems ridiculous that he’s that worked up and they won’t do it via your gp.
My son has lots of anxieties especially of hospital/medical procedures so we watch videos, talk about them etc prior to going. Maybe your local area has something Similar for immunisations it could put his mind at ease but ask him first if you find something suitable. We’ve used them for bloods, & ultrasound scan. (Linked to Glasgow children’s hospital)
I hope your son manages to get his jags and feels less anxious

The thing is you don't actually know whether he has a phobia or just a bit nervous. But he says he's mostly worried about looking foolish in front of mates, so if there's a way to take out the social element it might help him be brave.

Also bribery, just saying!

A sympathetic nurse would be ideal here to reassure him a bit eg school or gp practice nurse. Or a phlebotomist - we have a lovely one at our Gp. Have you been sent a consent form or something maybe there is a number to phone up if you have any questions. He can't be the first nervous teen they've had to deal with.

Kay we’re in England.

The Emla cream is on my shopping list! Thanks for your tips.

Boring (not Boris!) thanks for your replies.

If you miss the session your dr still will not do them, there will be a catch up session in school. (Dr’s aren't funded to offer this, the Immunisation Team are) If you can get the number for the Immunisation team (school should have this) Contact them and explain the situation, they will give good advice, with practical options and I’m sure you could attend if needed and/or have them done first before the rest arrive so not worrying all day.

Smithy interesting, thanks. I’m feeling calmer already.

Bloody love mumsnet!

There are no catch up sessions in our school - if they miss them they have to go to a clinic elsewhere.

That said - lots are really nervous, but the vast majority are fine. I have overseen them several years in a row and the school nurses are fab. They're the right balance of caring but no nonsense.

Yes I’m sure the nurses are amazing. I was just stressing about getting him into school in the first place!

DC1 is not helping 😡 but you lot are!

I work for my local Imm’s Team, we always do a school catch up then catch-up clinics in each area at a local convenient venue but may be different in other areas. You’d be surprised how many students have real issues with the Immunisations but the nurses know exactly how to deal with the problems. Definitely contact them, I’m sure they will ease your son’s and your mind.

The numbing cream is a good idea. Even if it's worn off by the time the injection happens - he won't know this until it's too late!
Also practise grounding techniques at home.
Look away.
Rub ginger and thumb together whilst counting to 60.
Sing a song in his head.
Play eye spy - he has to remember 20 things to tell his mum when he gets home which he will get a big present for !