Shots for nursing school

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi everyone. I am getting ready to start school in December. I had my physical done yesterday and had to get four shots :( I had a tetorifice, hepatitis B, MMR and the TB. I have been feeling really grouchy today (and was told this yesterday by the MA.) I will be glad to be 'normal' again tomorrow. Is it normal for the area around the TB shot to be red and a little swollen? I was told that they normally read the results within 24-48 hours but she told me to just keep an eye on it and write 'negative' under the day of the shot if it is fine. I am thinking about going to the Urgent Care tomorrow if the area is still red?

I would have it seen.

Remember you have the option to decline vaccines, too. Some of the lower downs will try to insist you must have your shots but they just don't know what the law says.

Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.

Red isn't a positive result; a raised area is a positive result.

This explanation from medicinenet.com:

"Reading" the skin test means detecting a raised, thickened local area of skin reaction, referred to as induration. Induration is the key item to detect, not redness or bruising. Skin tests should be read between 48 and 72 hours after the injection when the size of the induration is maximal. Tests read after 72 hours tend to underestimate the size of the induration."

Also, read this page from WebMD:

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/Tuberculin-Skin-Tests?page=2

It really tells you when you need to worry.

I've never read a TB test in 24 hours, always 48 or longer.

Specializes in ICU, CVICU.

It is pretty common to have a red area around the TB test as long as it isn't raised like the pp said. I would also go and have a nurse read the TB test. You writing negative underneath the record is not a valid TB test. You don't want to chance that they will reject it.

Good luck in nursing school!

Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

There isn't anything fun about getting a series of injections at one time. It hurts! My point is to say thank you for getting your shots (yes I am aware of the laws), but not only are you protecting yourself from a possible patients unknown illness you are also protecting your co-workers. I just wanted to say thank you in all sincerity.

Honestly I never looked at getting the immunizations as a choice. I feel that there is more good than harm but that is my personal opinion. The site where the TB shot was given is much better today. It has itched a few times but is not as red. I got my Tetorifice shot on my left arm. It is really sore and I have a lump on my arm. I will be glad when this goes away!

Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

Nurseontheway,

I've had "lumps" after receiving injections before, Don't knowif it is technique as i have had some inj I never even felt....... I , too am a FIRM believer that vaccinations play a very important role in community health and preventive disease.;)

Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

Just curious ........ What are lower downs??????

Just curious ........ What are lower downs??????

You know, those people answering the phones and filing admission papers and such.

But about the choice or no choice, I think there has been some brainwashing going on through the years until there is this hysteria about vaccines and quite a lot of myths and theories that are regarded as the gospel. I also think if these theories and myths were really true vaccines for nurses or anyone wouldn't be a choice.

But regardless, I was just telling you that if you are having reactions to any vaccines or you are terrified to take them you have the option of the evil waiver.

Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.
You know, those people answering the phones and filing admission papers and such.

But about the choice or no choice, I think there has been some brainwashing going on through the years until there is this hysteria about vaccines and quite a lot of myths and theories that are regarded as the gospel. I also think if these theories and myths were really true vaccines for nurses or anyone wouldn't be a choice.

But regardless, I was just telling you that if you are having reactions to any vaccines or you are terrified to take them you have the option of the evil waiver.

Thanks for the answer. I agree to a point about the vaccines. What is it now 35 before school? I don't know , out of FP long time. I agree people have a choice.:monkeydance:

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