Ask:
I don't know if you remember the errors in Chelsea's vaccination records awhile back.
I have been fighting back and forth between the health departments records and my family doctor.
To make a long story short:
I just found an old copy of immunization record that doesn't match up with either places.
Although, I was told by my doc that giving the vaccine twice ...........wo n't hurt her..........Dh and I don't want to chance it.
The record that I have was was made out by my doctor and it doesn't match his.
What would you do: Take a chance of vaccinating her twice or go by the record that you have?
I hope this made sense...........
Answer:
Since your dr. will have to sign off on her shot form for her to start school, you may as well do the vaccines twice now. I didn't hear the whole story, but I do know that at all my pediatrician's offices (we have moved a few times and have six kids, so we have done this a time or two!), they make us sign off on all vaccines! So, that one paper is attached to their charts, and you sign off each time on the same paper. Does yours not do this??
Answer:
I don't know if different states have different rules but like blessed with 6 said my pediatrician makes us sign off for each vaccine on my child's chart and then our state requires them to report these to the county health dept. That's how I learned my dr office messed up on my dd shots because the health dept sent me a letter saying she was overdue for one of her shots. I would get re-vaccinated just to be on the safe side and let your dr know they should have a better record keeping system for shots!
Answer:
Most deffiantely re vacinate! your Dr. is right by saying it should not hurt her if anything it will double protect her! I would deffinately let them know how i feel about their record keeping ( I worked for a PCP) the standards for record keeping are strict and they get auditted all the time on it! My best suggestion is to get a good current copy and have it with you at all the appts so you have your own copy to go by. School systems can be tough on you when you register them if they feel something is out of order with the shots I would also have your Dr write a detailed letter explaining everything about them so you can have that on hand when you register her or if for some reason the school calls you with questions. I hope everything works out and remeber to document everything cause you can never trust anyone.
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I agree, it won't hurt her and it would make the whole situation alot easier for you in the future!
Answer:
Wait a minute, MXD. The HEALTH DEPARTMENT called to say your child was not up to date? They actually have the staff that monitors these things and calls? That's scary. What do they do with those parents who are choosing not to vaccinate (I know, that's a different subjects altogether). Also, my ped leaves it up to me whether I want a certain one or not. What about that scenario? I've always said yes, but I would think it scary that Big Brother would be watching that closely. Or am I misunderstanding and you are actually referring to the school's department of health? Do you live in a smaller city or town?
Answer:
I'd just revaccinate and make sure this time that it gets in the records correctly. I've been down this road with oldest dd. Insurance company contacted me to tell me her shots weren't up to date and she was actaully missing a dtp booster and her oral polio. Contacted the Dr.'s office and they said their records don't indicate they ever gave it to her despite the fact I had a signed paper from Dr. stating otherwise. Unfortunately they couldn't use that as evidence of the vaccinations as the Dr. is required to keep records of not only the date but the lot number the dosage is from. They just revaccinated and there was no problems.
As for the Health Dept. being involved all the records of immunizations are stored there for the sake of the CDC, at least here, so it wouldn't be uncommon for them to contact people. Here they offer to get you vaccinated at their office. Usually they don't bother anyone though until the kids are school aged and being vaccinated is required to be in school. But I have also found out their records are not complete as the chicken pox shot is mandatory to enter school here unless the parents sign a waiver stating the date the child had the pox. My Dr. and the schools have this info, but b/c no shot was given the health dept. doesn't have that info. I get letters all the time. Unfortunately, b/c no shot is involved they will never have their records updated correctly and it will always show the kids are in need of the varicella vaccine.
So long as your child showed no adverse reaction to the vaccine the 1st time, revaccinating will hurt nothing.
HTH!
Answer:
Not that it helps now but I always request a copy of the shot record @ the time it is given then - make a copy for me and one for daycare/school - just in case any are lost (it also helps that my ped has the records on a computerized form) - they also have me initial when the shot is given - maybe you can request copies in the future so you won't have to deal with the whole thing again - In the meanwhile I guess if your Dr. is ok with it get the shots again. - good luck!