Can I ask to reschedule my son's MMR booster due to illness?

[Bake]

Hope this doesn't go against rules, it's time sensitive and I haven't ad a chance to re-read them.

My son is due to have his MMR Booster today. He's developed a barking cough overnight and a raised temperature. Temperature was 37.8 when I took it first thing this morning.

I know they ask whether he's had a fever before doing it, and they advise against it if he's got a fever. I plan to call this morning (if I can get through 🙃) and advise them he's unwell and suggest rescheduling. It's a bit of a pain for me because I've rearranged my work days for him to get it done, but he couldn't go to nursery anyway so it is what it is.

My concern now is they might suggest having it anyway, especially if his temperature is back to normal when we get there (assuming I can't get through to them on the phone first). Appointment is at 10:15. I'd prefer to delay it given he's unwell.

Is it OK to insist it is rescheduled due to illness? I've never needed to miss them before and I'm not sure what to do.

Yes of course. We had the initial MMR delayed by two months as DS was always unwell.

It is up to you. No one can insist you go.

Ring them up, cancel the appointment.

Yes I was told very firmly my son couldn’t have it when he was unwell so I would be surprised if you come against any resistance

Insist you are rescheduling, don’t ask for permission.

Yes of course

Surely you just ring up and cancel because he is ill and ask to make a new appointment when he is better.

They’re hardly going to turn up at your house with a needle and push you out the way to vaccinate him are they? You can cancel any vaccination appointment for any reason you like. When you mention the fever I imagine they’ll insist on cancelling anyway, it’s something they always ask about before giving a vaccination I think. It’ll be fine!

Perfect, thanks for your responses. I assumed it should just be rescheduled but then just had a doubt that they might suggest going ahead with it if his temperature has gone back to normal by the appointment time (which wouldn't be unusual as it tends to go up morning and evening when he's unwell). If they do attempt to coerce me (which hopefully won't happen anyway), I'll insist it's rearranged.

Glad the concensus is to reschedule. Hopefully I'll be able to get through to them on the phone 📞

We were always rescheduling due to illness. The only issue we ever had was trying to contact the surgery to make them aware. Wish there was an email address purely for cancellations!

If you’re worried about this just say he still has a fever. On the phone they can’t check this obviously. Might make you less worried about the conversation!

I had to delay my baby's one year jabs because they had rotavirus & a high fever. GP in total agreement, jabs given ten days late - no problem.