Accepted to BSN, but need vaccines!

[LindseyT99]

So I was accepted! Now I'm trying to get everything together before orientation. I need all the vaccinations again for Tdap, MMR, Varicilla, etc.. because my shot records cannot be found, and its less expensive to get the vaccines which my insurance will cover at 80% vs the titers that they will not cover. One thing I need is a Hep B titer and booster since it has been more than 15 years since the series was completed. And the annual flu shot.

Here is the question... Years ago I worked in the health care field where the flu shot was mandatory. Every single time I got that shot for 4 years straight, I started having flu type symptoms within about 6 -8 hours. Same thing happened when I received the Hep b series. First shot I thought it was a coincidence, the 2nd shot, but the evening I was throwing up sick... and it took be a good 9 months to go in for that last shot, and sure enough within hours I was sick. I realize I am not getting the flu, but I am however violently throwing up, muscle aches, chills and fever. It usually last about 2-3 days.

I realize this is required, my school said I could possibly opt out with a good medical reason but then would be required to always wear a mask and some places not be able to do clinicals.

So, I get it, I need to just plan to get this flu shot on a long weekend, when I can be sick between classes - but are there any tips and tricks to avoid the sickness. Does anyone else get sick after shots? The flu clinic nurse I spoke with said its actually normal to experience symptoms because your body is fighting it off.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Many people experience exactly what you do- that's the whole point of the immunization, to trigger an immune response and develop antibodies. It is not a medical contraindication.

Get your vaccines and go crush your nursing program!

[RegisteredNurseRNnnnn, BSN, RN]

I got my flu vaccine a few weeks ago and I was fine! Maybe you can get the vaccine a few weeks prior to the start of your program to prevent getting sick during it!