ER visits and non-vaxers

[wild&precious life]

I was just about to join the non-vaxers support thread, had read through the whole thing, and then realized it was closed

I was recently told by a non-vaxing friend that if I ever have to take dd to the ER, I should tell them that she is current on her vaccinations. Well, she isn't current according to our pediatrician because she hasn't had any vaccinations and she's 20 months. We do not intend to vaccinate, ever. She is current according to me and my dh

So, what should I do when asked if she is "up to date"? Hopefully I should never have to go to the ER with her. I want to be prepared though if that happens. I have to mention that it is impossible for me to lie in every other situation in life, I just have the hardest time keeping a straight face

Any good suggestions?

[attachedmamaof3]

It depends on why you go, IMO.

I've been to the ER due to a head injury for DS1 and I told them he was up to date...actually I told them he was on schedule because that's not technically a lie. He's on my schedule of never getting vaxxed!

To be honest, I don't really go to the ER...I imagine if I went to the ER for something vaccine related, I would tell them the truth.

[Medusa]

I've always been honest about it, and frankly it has gotten me plenty of crap.
(Lectures from MDs, questioning by nurses, being observed by a social worker in the hospital room, etc.)

However if you are educated and confident in your decision you should be OK. I've had to debate my stance before but in the end the docs (or the social worker) did what they needed to do and let it go.

One of the reasons I've been honest is because I don't want to hide my decision, I think more people should know that Non-vaxers are out there and that we are Dedicated and Educated parents.

Another reason that I'm honest is because I want them to look at all the possibilities including so called "vax preventable" diseases.

[sbgrace]

We recently had an ER visit and I didn't lie or mislead (though I was tempted to mislead). I got one mini-lecture to talk to my son's ped. about this. I got one question about it from a resident. No one else batted an eye. I was asked multiple times as it was a teaching children's hospital. When I had another son have surgery (day surgery) I was asked and again didn't lie. No problems at all. Maybe it depends on the vax exemption laws; we have religious and medical exemptions here.

[wild&precious life]

Originally Posted by attachedmamaof3

He's on my schedule of never getting vaxxed!

That's exactly what my husband said!

I guess I'm thinking more along the lines of a car accident or other major accident. I generally don't go to the doctor if I don't have to, much less the ER. If it's a REAL emergency, are they going to ask me if she's vax'd?

Medusa: That's what I'm afraid of - THE CRAP! I have my educated reasons, but I wonder if my dd will not receive adequate care if the md's and nurses think I'm wacko.

[wild&precious life]

Originally Posted by sbgrace

Maybe it depends on the vax exemption laws; we have religious and medical exemptions here.

Okay, I'm embarassed to ask this question but, I thought you only had to have exemptions for school? Do you have to have exemptions for other things too?

[Medusa]

Originally Posted by wild&precious life

That's exactly what my husband said!

I guess I'm thinking more along the lines of a car accident or other major accident. I generally don't go to the doctor if I don't have to, much less the ER. If it's a REAL emergency, are they going to ask me if she's VAX's?

Medusa: That's what I'm afraid of - THE CRAP! I have my educated reasons, but I wonder if my dd will not receive adequate care if the md's and nurses think I'm wacko.

Only once did I feel like my ds got less than adequate because of his vax status, and that was from his former ped.

Honestly my experience is that the docs seem so concerned about the lack of vaxes that they are actually paying closer attention, KWIM.

That said I'm sure others have had very different experiences.

I think I'm willing to put up with the crap, because my hope is the next non-vaxer that walks through the door will have an easier time of it.

[Medusa]

Originally Posted by wild&precious life

Okay, I'm embarassed to ask this question but, I thought you only had to have exemptions for school? Do you have to have exemptions for other things too?

Most Daycares require them and if you have an exemption the docs may give you an easier time of it.

We have both Religious and Medical exemption in KY, but good luck finding a doc who'll give you a medical exemption.

The religious exemption is easy to get, just go to the health department and ask, they'll make you write and sign a statement of you Religious beliefs.
"Due to my Religious Beliefs I do not Vax my child" is sufficient.

[phishers3]

My oldest kids are fully vaxed and they've been to the ER a total of 5 times combined. not once was I asked if they were up to date. Now maybe that is because we weren't there for fever or anything... but we still werent asked. JME