ASD, vaccine phobia... invited for Covid vaccine.

[Riverseawoods]

My DD 14 has probable ASD (awaiting report) and has struggled recently with Dr's appointments. We have just received her invitation to have Covid vaccine (not in UK) but she has developed a real fear of vaccinations. I told her the letter had arrived, and she screamed and cried. How do I calm her down so she will accept it?

In a similar situation. Ds is 17 and autistic. Our GP has decided he can get a vaccine.

Ds a major meltdown about it and said he would rather die of Covid.

He also has a huge fear of vaccinations. It's very difficult, as at his age he needs to be making his own decisions about his body. But he would struggle massively if he got unwell from Covid.

Not sure what the answer is.

I'd speak to the GP and ask their advice.

Maybe they can prescribe some kind of relaxant beforehand?

OP do you have a nursing service locally that helps those with additional needs? If so, contact them.

Punx can you contact your local LD nursing service? In several areas of the country LD nurses are delivering vaccines to those with a learning disability or autism. They are much more relaxed, and willing to work with a multitude of adjustments including vaccinating at home. Here is an example of excellent practice. And here's another.

Might be worth a try 10green. I wonder if they would be prepared to work with Ds even though he doesn't have a learning disability. I was told by the GPs to contact the local pharmacy to organise it.

I know the likelihood of him getting very ill with Covid is small but because of his age he is no longer allowed access to general paediatric inpatient care locally. So if he ever did need to be admitted, he would now be on an adult ward and without one of us to advocate and be with him. I'm pretty sure he would be terrified.

I've not discussed it with Ds since, as our week went from bad to worse and he's likely to go into complete meltdown if I mention it. Might see if Camhs will have a chat as well.

Punx many LD nursing teams will help to vaccinate patients with ASD without a LD. Your GP likes passing the buck!

There also shouldn't be an issue with you staying with DS even on an adult ward. You may need to push, but it is a reasonable adjustment.

ds2 has had his to my utter amazement given he has not been out of the house for anything else for months. I think he would have ignored a letter but the surgery rang and spoke to him directly to arrange the appointment & I think it did not occur to him he could say no!.

You can phone the vaccine centre and arrange for the vaccine to be carried out at home. Explain anxiety and essentially house bound. Being at home may reduce anxiety somewhat, what distractors can you use? Also, possible option is to discuss with gp a short acting medication to reduce anxiety just to aid them to have the vaccine.