Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Vaccinations

16 replies

Chocoholicmonster · 20/07/2016 17:45

I'm currently 25 weeks pregnant with my first. Horrendously needle phobic. Decided to opt in for the whooping cough vaccination despite my phobia of needles. I was just wondering, those of you who have had it - is there many side effects / is it painful? Your replies won't change my mind about having it as I think it's an important one to have but would like to feel prepared before having it. Thank you.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
lilydaisyrose · 20/07/2016 17:49

I had mine at 19w on Friday (in Scotland so advised to have anytime after 16w). Tiny scratch (barely felt it as it goes into the muscle not the vein), sore arm with dull ache for about 48 hours (mine was in left arm so tricky to sleep on left side) but no fever or any other side effects. Good luck!

PotteringAlong · 20/07/2016 17:55

I've had it twice with no ill effects whatsoever

ChatterNatterer · 20/07/2016 17:59

Had mine last week. Didn't hurt to have it, slight tenderness around it and lying on it a tad sore (but didn't stop me lying on it) for a few days after - wouldn't put me off doing it again - much less drama than having bloods taken Smile

Chocoholicmonster · 20/07/2016 18:07

Thank you all for your replies. Someone I know recently had it, knowing how I am with injections & went on to tell me it's the worst injection I'll ever have & how awful her arm felt for about a week after. So your replies have eased my mind Smile

OP posts:
user1463652193 · 20/07/2016 18:24

Had mine on Monday, injection itself was fine (pain for a second) and then muscle pain in my arm for a day or so. Totally fine now. Nothing to worry about at all!

Lou2711 · 20/07/2016 18:36

Had mine back in May and literally had no problems, I think the area may have been a little sore but not enough to remember!! Good luck, it is over in seconds!

GipsyDanger · 20/07/2016 18:37

I was a human pin cushion during labour... I'd see someone about that phobia now

spacefrog35 · 20/07/2016 18:39

As others have said, the injection was fine but very, very slightly tender the day after. Nothing more than a little bruise might feel if you lay on it. Good luck Chocolate

TheCrumpettyTree · 20/07/2016 19:46

It was very quick didn't feel it. Had a bit of a bruised arm the next day.

Chocoholicmonster · 20/07/2016 22:30

Thanks all Smile Not dreading it quite so much now!

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quitecrunchy · 20/07/2016 23:04

Yeah I expected it to be much worse than it was. Just a little bit of an achey arm the next day, the injection itself was no worse than any other. Good on you for biting the bullet!

QueenEnid · 20/07/2016 23:25

I had it yesterday and didn't feel it or any soreness after. I'm also v needle phobic
You'll be fine op. Mind over matter xx

sycamore54321 · 21/07/2016 02:07

Good for you on making this important choice and facing your fears. My memory of the injection itself is like others a very brief (literally micro-second) sharp. scratch or pinch feeling. If you concentrate on breathing deeply and also wiggling your toes wildly at the same time, you will be through it in no time. You could also listen to a song on an iPod headphones or something if distraction works for you, but honestly it will be over in seconds.

Vaccines in general can be administered particularly quickly because unlike, say some medications or for blood tests, they are not injected into a vein which requires real precision, but into either the muscle or the fat, so a much larger surface and much less precision needed.

As a general rule and particularly in hot summer weather, I feel injections less if I am well hydrated so drink plenty of water and maybe have a bar or something to hand in case you phobia leaves you feeling a bit off afterwards. But no need for any particular special preparations.

For after effects, I recall the evening after I had that vaccine, my arm muscle felt a bit stiff and sore if I raised it up high, a distant dull ache as if I had been bruised or punched. I don't have needle phobia but it definitely wasn't the sort of pain I imagine a needle phobic would fear, just a bit of a dull bruise-like ache, only in certain movements. It was gone by morning.

Seriously, congratulations on doing this important thing for your baby despite your fears. Maybe this will be the moment that cures your phobia - wouldn't that be a nice story to tell your child when he or she is older?

DamsonGinIsMyThing · 21/07/2016 02:15

I used to give these injections OP, any nurse worth their salt will check you're ok with injections ie if you want a 3-2-1 or to lie down.
I've not had this one personally, but have had many immunisations, usually a slightly tender arm is to be expected for a couple of days and the injection itself is over in a second or two, it feels like a small scratch.
Personally I like a 3-2-1 (I'm not great with injections) and wiggle the fuck out of my toes so I have something else to concentrate on.
The fact that you have resolutely decided to face your fears, legitimate fears, in order to better your unborn child health made me smile a genuine smile.

frikadela01 · 21/07/2016 02:16

My appointment for my whooping cough vaccine was the fastest medical appointment I ever had. I literally sat down, nurse asked me if I understood what the injection was for and injected into my left arm. I didn't even feel it go in. I was in the room for less than a minute. No sore arm afterwards either.
Good for you for having it despite your fear, it really isn't bad at all.

Liz09 · 21/07/2016 03:05

I used to be very needle-phobic too (I say "used to" because I used to blatantly refuse to get any kind of vaccination/blood test etc. but I will now do it if I need to). It didn't hurt particularly badly, and I have no side effects at all.

If you are still nervous, ask to lie down for it. They will be happy to oblige.

Also, engage in constant conversation with them while they are doing it. They, again, will be happy to oblige. I need someone to be talking to me the entire time, because it takes my mind off of it. It truly does work.

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