Vaccination in child prone to fainting

[GreatAndWonderous]

I've just learnt that DS1 (12) is due to have his HPV vaccination at school this month. Last year he fainted while having a blood test (at a community hospital) and was told if he were to have another blood test in the future it should be done at the main hospital (with A&E facilities), not at a GPs surgery/community hospital. I have no idea whether this would also apply to vaccinations. I will speak to the school/ school nurse, but am arming myself with opinions first - just wondered if anyone had any experience of similar?

That seems a bit dramatic! I am prone to fainting at blood tests and injections...always have been and never once had to have it done in hospital.

I was advised to lie down for mine. It's worked wonderfully. I lie down whilst it's being done...before this I tell the nurse that I tend to faint otherwise...then I talk and talk and talk. The talking helps me...distracts me.

Speak to the nurse and tell her to get him to lie down...and also tell DS what will be happening so he's prepared. Tell him to hold something in the hand that's not on the arm being injected...a ball or a small toy...fiddle with that and try to chat.

I think those that do school vaccinations are used to the odd fainting pupil. I know at my oldest Ds's school they actually put down some mats from the gym incase of issues. They normally make the children wait a while before they go back to class just incase of any reactions to the injections.

I think the community hospital advice is just them not use to people fainting. I would speak to your GP. It's not always practical to have bloods / injections at a main hospital.

In my opinion anyways

Thanks so much for your thoughts everyone, and really great practical advice HennyPenny that I'll get DS to follow

That's silly.
I always faint at blood tests. Never have at injections.

Ds fainted during a blood test and they said I should always make the nurse aware that he might, but nothing more. So I do that, but it's a bit silly as he's fascinated and spends his time quizzing the nurse about the ins and outs.
I do put it in the notes at school, and that basically means they do him first and then give them a bit of time before going back to class.