Question about vaccines prior to beginning nursing program

[roxy1023]

I just got accepted into the Nursing Program (so excited!) and I am going to get my vaccinations/physical in a couple of weeks. My first question is, has anyone else received multiple vaccines, in addition to the PPD test all at once, and if so, did you have negative side effects? I am not completely sure what ones I will need to get because I do not remember whether or not I have the meningococcal vaccine or the HepB vaccine or tetorifice vaccine up to date until I receive my records tomorrow from my old doctor. I know for sure that at the least I need to get the Flu shot. I have to admit, (although slightly embarrassing considering the knowledge I have learned in class regarding vaccines) that I am a little paranoid about having a bad side effect from the vaccines. I am NOT one of those people who don't believe in them, infact I am 100% pro vaccine. I absolutely believe that if you're going to become a nurse, you should be required to be vaccinated for your safety and more importantly the safety of the patients, which is why I am going to get them. I also realize the risk of contracting a terrible disease such as meningitis or HepB is ten times MORE frightening then my fear of getting a side effect from getting a vaccine. BUT I am still slightly nervous despite the reasonable, intelligent part of my brain that keeps telling myself how ridiculous I am being lol. When I was younger I used to get seizures, then grew out of them. I have read on some websites that certain vaccines can cause seizure or trigger epilepsey in people who have an already low seizure threshold (not sure if this is even true) I have also read about other crazy sounding side effects, which I am sure are just fabricated or made-up. But, can anyone shed some reassuring insight on these annoying hypochondriac thoughts that seem to be running through my head, so in a week when I get these vaccines I am not secretely worried about dropping to the floor in convulsions, or something else equally as ridiculous.

[FDW630]

Congrats on getting accepted! :) I had a DTaP, Hep B and varicella at the same time a month ago, and just yesterday had my second varicella and Hep B. The DTaP left my arm really sore for two days. Apparently I am sensitive to varicella, because it leaves me with a big, hard, and hot red knot in my arm that is tender for about a week. Other than that, which I consider really mild, I had no problems. The nurse who gave me my vaccines said that the PPD does to her what the varicella does to me. Neither of my kids have any type of reaction to any of their vaccines. Can't see where they got stuck by the time we get them home from the doctor. You gotta do what you gotta do! Those crazy, life-threatening side effects really aren't common enough to get worked up over. Pop two advil and you should be good to go. :)

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Welcome to AN! The largest online nursing community!

Congratulations on your acceptance to nursing school. As per the Terms of Service we cannot give medical advice.

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Only your PCP can explore the possible risk and benefits to you personally and any implications for you personally. I wish you the very best on your nursing journey!

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