I wanted to explain the *hiccup *with school that we ran into. I mentioned this in a recent post and never circled back to explain. I figured I start the day off with some writing and this is a good place to start.
The issue we ran into is with vaccines for both Elliott and Emmett. Vaccines are extremely important and for the most part, we've maintained their vaccine schedules. There were, however, a couple of exceptions.
Emmett's issues stemmed from his fever disorder. After consultation with his pediatrician at the time, it was decided to put off his MMR because he was constantly running a fever. We were trying to figure out his health issues and no one wanted to muddy the water.
He eventually received his first MMR and is currently due for his booster, as well as beginning his HPV. He's due for these at his 12 year well check. He just turned 12 today, so it's more of a timing thing right now.
As far as Elliott is concerned, I was pretty sure he was current but Elliott's records are a bit confusing and have come into question because there were some issues when they were digitized. After his doctor sorted everything out, they show he's missing one or two vaccines as well.
On March 5th of this year Elliott had his 14 year well check. Unfortunately, he was sick and the well check turned into a sick visit where he tested positive for influenza b. They can't do a well visit when a child is sick.
Elliott was scheduled to receive his missing vaccines at that appointment but because he was sick, that couldn't happen.
Both of these situation are easy to address but COVID19 has complicated things.
We went on COVID19 lockdown before Elliott had even gotten over the flu. For months everything was closed. Only urgent appointments were being taken and telehealth became the norm. Unfortunately, they can't digitally administor vaccines.
With Gavin being immunocompromised, the idea of scheduling these appointments didn't seem safe or possible.
When we switched the boys to online school for the upcoming school year, the vaccine records became a problem. After explaining the situation, we were granted an extension, essentially giving us time to get things caught up once the world stopped falling apart. It's more of a technicality because they are going to be home schooled this year and exposure to others will be none due to lockdown.
Anyway, I was seeking documentation from Gavin's immunologist, verifying that he was immunocompromised and the school said that would be enough.
I spoke with Gavin's doctor yesterday and she explained that as it currently stands, as long as proper precautions are taken, there should be minimal risk to Gavin, should I schedule Elliott and Emmett for their vaccine appointments. While I'm not a big fan of this idea, I do trust Gavin's doctor and the boys need their vaccines.
I called Akron Children's yesterday and explained what I needed. We have appointments scheduled for end of August. The reason for the timing is because we're hoping to be able to get their flu shots done at the same time and eliminate the need for a second trip. More trips means more risk.
Flu shots should be available end of August so with any luck this will all work out for the best.
That being said, as of writing, the US has seen the largest single day growth in COVID19 yesterday and it's rapidly getting worse. Ohio is spiking as well and this plan may need to be reevaluated in the coming weeks. If statewide lockdown is initiated again, appointments will be cancled anyway. For that matter, schools may likely be shutdown as well.
Who knows.
Anyway, that's the hiccup that we had to work through. It's frustrating for a few reasons but there were medical reasons for the delay with Emmett and it was a culmination of events that sorta created the issue with Elliott. Either way, it will be addressed and then we're good to go.
Vaccines are so important and making the decision to veer off schedule, wasn't easy. In Elliott's case, there's some confusion over his records but it appears that some of his vaccines slipped through the cracks. That certainly wasn't intentionally done and as soon as this was discovered, plans were made to address it.
It's tough to manage everything when there's always so much happening. Special needs parenting isn't easy and I'm doing the very best I can. Sometimes things slip through the cracks and all I can do is fix it when it's discovered. Elliott's situation really bothers me because I'm not sure what happened, but Emmett's situation was by design and served a very real, medical purpose.
As of right now, we're on course to filling in these gaps and moving forward.
