Hospital doctor said ds1 needs a tetanus jab.

[TheOriginalFAB]

The surgery receptionist is questioning why and I don't understand. Doc didn't want to do it then as he had enough stuff going round his system. He had a bad reaction to a wasp sting.

ragged The school leavers booster which incorporates diphtheria, tetanus and polio is due 10 years after the preschool booster, which is given at around the age of 3.5-4.5.

Therefore children aren't due any boosters until they are called, and would usually be called around the age of 13.5 or so and not before.

If you think your child is due a vaccination call your GP surgery and ask them, don't just make an appointment as it might not be due yet and shouldn't be given especially early.

Ah, thanks for the corrections & information.

here

DS should have received 4 doses if he is under 13. 5 doses constitute a full course which should give lifelong immunity except in tetanus prone wounds. If DS is around the time of his next dose it can be given early.

However wasp stings are not considered high risk so a bit ott imo.

www.nvic.org/

I phoned A & E to check that the doctor wanted him to have the tetanus even though he was up to date with his jabs. He said yes. I took him and the nurse questioned me about it. I was getting rather upset and phoned the hospital. Nurse spoke to hospital doctor who asked if children have a tetanus routinely at 10, she said no, jab cancelled. I am shattered with it all. DS1 is fine but I will have to watch him very carefully if he is ever stung again.

Poor you, no wonder you are confused with so much conflicting advice. In fact I checked NHS choices and Patient UK (both legitimate websites used by NHS Direct and there is conflicting advice !

Because the guidelines were changed a few years ago, some healthcare professionals have not updated which is incredibly annoying!

Anyway regarding the important stuff, wasp stings, make sure you always carry some Waspeze spray and a single (maximum) dose of piriton for your DS and give it immediately if he is stung. Remove the stinger without squeezing the venom sac, and if you have any concerns take him straight to A&E (sorry not sure how badly he reacted this time). September/end August is the worse time for stings, so be extra vigilent.

I will get some waspeze tomorrow, thanks.. I have already put a well stocked first aid box in the car and the one in the house has been added too. The nurse also said to give him Piriton and if that doesn't settle things to take him straight to A & E.