Is there anything that I can do?

[CrazyCatLady]

I have to type this fast but I really need the advice so here it goes. About a week ago I took my daughter in to the doctor to get her third and final Hep B shot (the ONLY vaccine I intend on ever giving her). I get into the back room and the nurse says to me "we noticed that Zayla is behind on her shot schedule so we'll be giving her five shots today". I immediatley said I don't think so, she is here for her third Hepatitis B shot and I want that shot only. She went on to argue with me and lecture until I finally said that this wasn't up for debate and to let me know if it was going to be a problem because I
would happily go somewhere else. She rolled her eyes, huffed and
puffed and said fine. Gave Zayla the shot and we left. They call my
husband a few hours later to casually mention that there had been a
mix up and they had given Zayla a combination shot. It was Hep B and
Hib! I don't have time to go in to the rest of the details but is there anything that I can do? I have spoken with a bunch of attorneys but it seems that as long as she isn't injured, there is nothing anyone can do. But it's not really money or anything that I even want. I want someone in trouble (if not fired) and for this not to happen to anyone else. But everyones attitude is that it's just a shot the she should have already gotten anyway and since she isn't hurt from it, why am I complaining so much. So is this a lost cause or does someone have any advice for me. My stomach still hurts everytime I think about how they took advantage and did this to Zayla and me. I really think it might have even been on purpose. It's a bad clinic and they don't take kindly to young mothers who have opinions of their own. Thanks

[Isaac'smama]

I don't know if there is anything that you can do, but this would infuriate me, too. When a parent researches and makes the decision that they feel is best for their child, and a "slip up" like this occurs, I don't think it should totally just go by the wayside. Even if they said they were going to put more checks and balances in place so it doesn't happen again. Something. I'm seriously considering doing one vax and this is one of my fears, that they'll slip him Pediarix accidently or something. I've put months and years (if you count when I originally started reading), into this decision and a slip up like that would totally tick me off. Not sure how this message helps, but I just wanted to lend my support!

[annettemarie]

Holy Crap! At the very least I woudl be switching docs and letting everyone know why. I have also had success complaining to the insurance company abour doctor behavior. The last thing docs want is to lose their backing of an insurance company. It's not "just" the slip up, although that's bad enough- it's the "slip up" in light of the fact that she was arguing with you about your medical choices as a parent. Is there a nurse's version of the AAP you could report her behavior to? A county or state board of medicine?

[Gitti]

This must be done on purpose. It happens too often!

Make you wonder why?

There is some reimbursement scheme in place. Maybe not money but certainly some reward points. Maybe the more shots given the bigger and fancier the hotel room at the next convention????


:

[amyandelle]

This was absolutly done on purpose!!

My Grandmother worked for a doctor and when I told her that they do not make any money off of vaccines (that is what Elle's ped told us) she laughed!! She said they may not make direct money but like Gitti said there are perks. My Grandmother also said that at least in the office where she worked they did get money, tax breaks and insurance breaks. She said there is no way they do not benefit and told me that if Elle's ped told me otherwise he is a liar.

It's very sad and disgusting
Amy

[aniT]

Don't they make you sign something giving them permission to give X shot to your child?

You should demand to see the permission thing. If you did NOT give permission I would throw a big stink and try to get something accomplished. There is a reason they make you sign that form. What if your child does have a reaction to HIB and you never gave your permission. I would think you could sue the doctor.

If however the permission slip said HIB as well as Hep B then you know 1. it was done on purpose (why else would they have added it to the permission slip) and 2. it was without a doubt done on purpose. I would switch doctors immediately. I am sorry this happened to you and your baby.

[gilnikche]

I can not tell you what to do now, but I can tell you how to avoid it happening again.

Insist that the vaccinations be drawn up in front of you!

-First;the nurse should show you the vial.

-Check the name and expiration date. Personally; I would write down the Lot number.

-Watch her draw it from he vial. The standard dosage is 0.5 cc
(I am not certain about Pediarix and the other newer ones)



This is really the only way to be certain what is being injected into your child. It is an excellent precaution to take with any medication.