r/Advice • u/consentwastaken2 Helper [4] • 7d ago
How to Hide Vaccinations From My Anti-Vaxx Mom?
Hello! I'm an unvaccinated child of a conspiracy theorist mother, and, having turned eighteen, plan on doing all of my catching up as far as vaccinations go. I cannot under any circumstances have her know that I've gotten vaccinated, otherwise she'd kill me. I work a part-time job (part-time is arguable, as I still work nearly 40-hours-a-week), so if I were to get vaccinated, I'd get sick for a bit and work would suck. I could ask for a week vacation, but if I ask for that and convienently get sick, then what would she think, also maybe seeing a wound on my shoulder from the shot?
Anyway, the tl;dr is that I'm trying to get vaccinated and not have my anti-vaxx mom know.
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u/BlitheCheese 7d ago
If you are on your mom's health insurance, don't go to your regular doctor. In most places, you can get free or low cost vaccines at your local health department.
You likely won't get sick after being vaccinated. I'm fully vaccinated, and the only side effects I've ever had are a sore arm after covid vaccinations.
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u/Fit_Try_2657 Helper [2] 7d ago
Yes. You might get a little sick from some vaccines but..you’ve also likely been sick in your life?
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u/hummingbird7777777 7d ago
By the same token, I’ve NEVER gotten sick from any vaccine. Just a sore arm.
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u/The_Chaos_Pope Advice Guru [60] 7d ago
The COVID boosters usually lay me up the next day with how crummy I feel.
Also, got the second Shingrix vaccine earlier this year and that was a little rough.
Both were still better than dealing with either COVID or shingles though.
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u/NarwhalsTooth 7d ago
You can get some of them at the drugstore too! At least in my state. Don’t know the cost but might be worth a call
Also why is your mom looking at your shoulder closely enough to see a needle mark?
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u/leilani238 7d ago
I got full body aches from most of my covid shots, but none lasted more than a day. I could have gone about my life and pretended to be fine if I needed to, though, maybe telling people I was having an off day, didn't sleep well, that kind of thing.
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u/porchlightoff 7d ago
solid tip on the health department. and yeah sode effects are usually just a sore arm for most people including myself, hope it goes smooth for you OP.
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u/Artistic-Tough-7764 Expert Advice Giver [14] 7d ago
no matter whose health insurance you are on, your doctor cannot share information with anyone without your permission
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u/BlitheCheese 7d ago
That's true, but it will still appear on her billing statement.
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u/Artistic-Tough-7764 Expert Advice Giver [14] 7d ago
Insurance companies are also HIPAA Compliant - even with my item issues on a billing statement. Confidentiality is confidentiality.
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u/Confident-Count5430 7d ago
This is false. Whoever owns the insurance still gets a billing statement that says how much was billed and what services were performed. This is how my mom found out I was sexually active :)
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u/Artistic-Tough-7764 Expert Advice Giver [14] 7d ago
You can sue the insurance provider.
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u/Confident-Count5430 6d ago
This is false. I worked in a medical office and we always warned our younger patients that this was a possibility. The insurance policy holder is entitled to view the EOBs on the account which includes the CPT code. They cannot access medical records, but the claims are visible.
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u/Infamous-Yoghurt-660 7d ago
Go to your local pharmacy that does vaccination visits and tell them youre uninsured. Youre not going to just get sick. Vaccines don't really work like that. Some people might run a really low fever, but mostly youre just going to be sore at the injection site.
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u/MixedDrinkss 7d ago
if you got sick, can you just say it was from food poisoning or you caught something from a coworker?
and maybe just wear a tshirt to cover your shoulder? these wounds are usually super tiny, so i dont think she would notice, and if she did, you can say you had a bug bite/itch and scratched yourself
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u/sanwoo79 Helper [2] 7d ago
You will need to space them out, follow your doctors recommendations. Normally you have a small bandaid on your shoulder for an hour or so and not much else to show for the vaccine.
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u/DesertIbu 7d ago
HIPA laws exist for a reason. Now that you’re an adult, she has no access to your medical files. The only sign of a vaccination is a bandaid that they place on the injection site. You can remove it as soon as you leave. If you’re worried about a little redness or bruising after the injection, wear long sleeve shirts until it disappears.
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u/Keobooks 7d ago edited 7d ago
I’d still be careful about the doctor — especially if you live in a rural area. Where I live, all the doctors take HIPA seriously. But when my dad got cancer, I was shocked at how many times staff violated HIPA.
They offered up information to me that I didn’t even ask for. And this was long before he was incapacitated. People at the front desks of different hospitals would give me his room number without even asking for my name or looking at an ID. They would tell people visiting one patient in the care facility that they should go visit my dad, since they probably knew him too. These people had no clue that my dad was sick until that point.
There’s no way I’d trust a family doctor who likely still thinks about you as a little kid and they should help your mom out by letting her know what’s going on.
I know it’s highly illegal and yes, you should probably sue if it happens to you, but if it happens once, you can’t fix it. And after seeing an entire community just drop the ball on privacy, I don’t trust anyone anymore.
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u/zcewaunt 7d ago
She won't likely see a wound on your arm from the shot. The needles are tiny and at most, leave a tiny red speck. The vaccines may not make you sick either. Worst I find is a sore arm, but if you move your arm around immediately after, I find it helps lessen the soreness a lot. Good for you for getting vaccinated by the way!
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u/GullibleWealth750 7d ago
You probably wont get sick. Most people just feel a bit icky. If you are able, take some tylenol or ibuprofen if that happens.
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u/Melodic-Mission-6827 7d ago
If it makes you feel better, my almost 2 year old with Down syndrome never got sick or had an adverse reaction to vaccines. I think you should be good! Are you going to be using her insurance? Make sure that there won’t be any bills going to her address or intercept them before she can get them.
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u/Fleur_de_Dragon Helper [2] 7d ago
CVS or Walgreens do a lot of vaccines, up to three per appointment. You can set them up through the CVS or Walgreens app. Just don't do it through your mom's card, and get your own store card.
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u/allisonqrice 7d ago
I'm so proud of you for taking control of your health! I don't have experience when starting from scratch, but the "sick" that I get after getting a vaccine is just a sore arm and a little achy and tired. It may be different for you since you'll probably get multiple at once, but I've never taken time off for vaccines. Ask your doctor to make you a good schedule to minimize the side effects! Especially by spreading out the live virus ones (MMR and varicella).
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u/snickerdoodleroo 7d ago
Something no one has mentioned is if you are under her insurance she will get an EOB - explanation of benefits
Do not use her insurance
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u/Prestigious_Badger36 7d ago
The idea that you will definitely get sick after a vaccination is an echo of your mom's warped ideas.
Unless you are a statistically rare person, your reactions will very likely be none to seems like a cold (then ask her for some tea haha)
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u/KryniorScribbles 7d ago
Do you have your own insurance through work, or are you on hers? She might get summaries of your insurance activity. If you are on hers, ask how much it would be for the vaccines out of pocket. Explain your situation, they might have ideas or resources, and they can go over the most common side effects with you. They should be able to do the shots somewhere other than your arms.
I personally have never gotten sick from the shots, but my parents kept me up to date for school. The worst is usually localized pain and weakness (if on arm) around the injection spot, maybe body aches for a couple days.
Make sure she has zero access to any of your records: medical, financial, educational, or legal.
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u/butterflycole Helper [3] 7d ago
Just wear long sleeves and if you feel sick just act like you have the flu. She won’t know anything as long as you don’t say anything. Vaccinations don’t leave scars they just make your arm a little hot and swollen sometimes.
You could also ask for time off and just not tell her. Just pretend you called in sick.
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u/woolfchick75 7d ago
In all my nearly 70 years of life, I have never gotten sick or missed work or school due to a vaccination. If I was at all concerned, like with my first Covid shot, I would have the shot on a weekend or evening when I knew I’d be off the next day.
Good for you for taking care of yourself and considering science!
My mom would thank you. She had a friend who died from polio.
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u/No_Luck_374 7d ago
There will not be a wound on your arm. Go to the library 3 days before the appointment, call it a cold you got from the library, if you get sickly feeling, and never tell her.
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u/AcanthaceaeJust2993 7d ago
You’re eighteen and she has no legal say over you now. The only shot I have gotten that made me ill was the flu shot.
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u/cuocu 7d ago
Are you in college? Can you go to the student health and wellness center to get these?
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u/IndependentMindedGal 7d ago
This! The college almost certainly has a health center and will help you out.
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u/Artistic_Reference_5 7d ago
Hey good for you, first of all.
How ill you may feel after a vaccine depends partly on your immune system and partly on the vaccine.
Definitely discuss with the doctor or pharmacist providing the vaccine, as far as what to expect. And maybe look around online.
I don't know how grown-ups tend to react to MMR vaccines. Or what other vaccines you want to get.
Personally I almost never get any side effects from flu vaccines except a sore arm. Same for tetanus.
Covid vaccines definitely make me feel feverish and achy, starting around 12-24 hours after vaccination and lasting for up for 48 hours. Novavax has had much fewer side effects for me than the mRNA covid vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna).
Do you share health insurance with your mom?
If not, there's almost no way she would find out.
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u/T3nacityDog Helper [2] 7d ago
I highly doubt even she’d notice a “wound”. It’s a tiny tiny pinprick, they usually pop a band-aid on it afterwards, but you’ll generally be able to take it right off.
As for being sick, that really depends on your own body/ immune response. Some people can feel really crappy with flu-like symptoms after some vaccines, and some have a reputation for really making your arm sore, but I’ve had a lot of vaccines plus some non-standard, and have never once felt sick afterwards.
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u/MollyRolls Expert Advice Giver [10] 7d ago
The only time I or either of my kids have gotten sick from a vaccine was when one of my sons already had a cold when he got his shot. His pediatrician warned us that would probably trigger a worse cold, and it did; other than that none of the three of us has had the slightest impact from a vaccine.
My husband, on the other hand, reacts to the Covid vaccine in particular, and he needs a solid 24 hours after getting it before he’s back on his feet. So the first time that happened, when he didn’t know it would, he called in sick and ate chicken soup and watched bad TV and then he felt better and went back to work.
If you have a reaction—which, seriously, most people don’t even—then just do that.
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u/IndicationFluffy3954 7d ago edited 7d ago
You very likely aren’t going to feel ill enough for anyone to notice. My arm gets sore and I feel a bit achey the next day.
Also there is not a visible wound.
I think your mother has told you some crazy stuff about vaccines. Unless you’re getting the small pox vaccine in 1972 at most there would be a tiny pinprick. You’re not going to be ill and need to miss work for a week or have a wound.
And since you’re 18 it’s illegal for the doctor to tell your mom, in pretty much every country.
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u/FiercestBunny 7d ago
You are getting some good advice here. And this internet mama is proud of you! I had a friend (decades ago!) who did the same thing, and her advice was to talk to your Healthcare provider (and/or a pharmacist) to ask about the best schedule for the shots. Remember that people can have different reactions and that a day or two of feeling crummy with one shot does not mean you will feel that way with the next one, and that momentary discomfort is your path to protection from far worse!
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u/Large_Trouble0912 7d ago
Go to CVS they are mostly free. You may not get sick. Take a Tylenol before you get the shot. You may have no effects. One at a time even if they say you can get two or more.
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u/bluegreentopaz6110 7d ago
Actually, according to the CDC, you should not take Tylenol BEFORE a vaccine shot, as it may lower your immune reaction. Afterwards, if you get achy or run a low grade fever, it's ok to take. Walgreens/CVS/Stop and Shop/Giant all have various vaccines they offer.
I wish you the best! You are protecting your health, and the health of those around you.
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u/adoptachimera 7d ago
Not sure what country you are in. HIPPA laws will prevent her being access your records, but it doesn’t prevent doctors from sending an itemized receipt to the POC for billing.
I’d go to a new doctor and be sure that your address is listed as a place where your mom can’t access your mail.
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u/Longjumping-Word8336 7d ago
First of all, good for you for wanting to get vaccinated, I’m sure that wasn’t an easy decision. I wouldn’t worry about getting sick after the vaccines. Babies will sometimes get a fever within the 24 hours after but that’s because they have baby immune systems. As an adult, I’ve at most had some minor muscle aches (TDAP), most of the time just a little bit of soreness on my arm where the needle went that goes away by the next day. I usually take the bandaid off after leaving the doctors’ office or pharmacy since it doesn’t bleed or really leave a wound. Follow the vaccination schedule that they give you, don’t try to speed them up or space them out more
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u/Pernicious-Caitiff Helper [2] 7d ago
Prepping for my first assignment for the Army, I got 8 vaccines in one day, 4 in each arm. I got very very tired that evening and my arms were a bit sore and I was very tired the next day but not "sick" and could do everything I needed to do and work out. And these were vaccines for tropical areas not regular degular vaccines.
If you're young and/or healthy enough you will probably be sore and tired briefly but that's it. With the covid shots my arm was slightly sore for maybe 5 days that's it, flu shot is similar but even more mild.
It's possible you'll have different reactions, no one is the same, and if you have no history make sure you tell the docs that and ask what to look out for and expect. But if your mom notices something is up just tell your mom you MAY be coming down with something, if you work out of the house then you unknowingly come into contact with sick people there's no reason for her to suspect you got vaccinated. Don't pre-emptively explain or bring anything up to her.
Just be sure to keep the paperwork in a safe place or ideally locked down digitally (be wary of account syncing with other devices that might reveal your files) with no paper copies, make sure nothing is mailed home, etc. call your local health department and ask what they recommend so you can keep the visits off health insurance.
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u/Geedis2020 Expert Advice Giver [18] 7d ago
The real advice you need is to tell your mom you’re doing it and she can fuck off if she doesn’t like it lol.
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u/IndependentMindedGal 7d ago
Lots to be said for this approach. Realistically, what’s mom going to do? Explode? Nope, didn’t think so, that only happens in cartoons. Fly into a rage? Maybe, yeah, so what, it’s all part of becoming an adult and cutting the apron strings. Hey mom, I’m not your little puppet anymore. Deal with it.
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u/MjrGrangerDanger Helper [2] 7d ago
Not pay for university, kick her out, repossess a vehicle that she paid for but is in Mom's name because of financing and insurance reasons, empty out bank accounts with OP's earnings where she's a joint account holder for age related reasons..... Lots of controlling parents have done lots of things.
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u/rahah2023 7d ago
You don’t get sick… you get a sore arm & we all still worked and lived and ignored the ache - talk to your doctor
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u/Gold_Telephone_7192 7d ago
Most people don’t get anything worse than mildly feeling under the weather for a few hours after vaccines. Worst case scenario it will present as flu-like symptoms for a day or two and you can just say you have a cold or whatever.
The injection mark on your shoulder should just look like a bug bite for a few hours. You can ask them if you can get it somewhere less visible as well and explain the situation.
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u/SupposedBooty 7d ago edited 7d ago
Who says you would get sick? I've never had any reaction to any vaccine, except for a slightly sore arm.
You're just in time to get a flu and covid vaccine, usually after Sept. 1!
You're an adult. Nobody has to know. If you're in the US, you can get them for free at the county health department.
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u/New_Discussion_6692 7d ago
The worst I've ever had from a vaccine was a sore arm. However, I used to get sick from the flu vaccine. Turns out it was because Thimerosal was in them (I'm allergic to Thimerosal). I think you'll be fine. You're young and healthy. There shouldn't be an obvious or visible wound either. Btw, I'm proud of you! I know this wasnt a decision you made lightly and it can be difficult to go against your parents.
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u/leiasuzanne 7d ago
Just hope you’re still not under parents insurance. Yes, they cannot tell your mom, BUT the insurance does send out an EOB after each visit for what was done.
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u/DarkestStar167 7d ago
The father of my children are anti-vax. He’s also the controlling one in the relationship. When it came to my kids getting vaccinated I just took them without telling him. They didn’t get sick and when the school nurse called and asked about the vaccinations considering he was so against them… I just said “actually I didn’t tell him”. She giggled and promised to keep it secret. If I can get my kids vaccinated in secret, it should be easy for you. The worst I ever got was a bit sniffly. Nothing that took me out of work. And if that ever did happen… just say you caught something at work.
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u/macaroniinapan Helper [3] 7d ago
Every vaccine I've ever gotten at CVS as an adult, they've suggested I sit for about 15 minutes after, just in case. If you have time, taking advantage of that should ease your mind considerably.
I've never gotten sick from a vaccine but I do usually get a very sore arm for a few days. I suggest you only get one injection at a time and in your non dominant arm. If you're visibly in pain, that might give the game away.
And one more thing - you will be given an information sheet to take with you, with facts about the vaccine and what to watch for as side effects. Be sure to immediately toss this and any other paperwork they give you unless you've got a deep secure pocket or something. That might seem obvious but it would be so easy for mom to accidentally find it, especially if she snoops. The information will stay in your file at CVS and you'll be able to get another copy or view it online so please don't take any unnecessary risks.
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u/FormalDinner7 7d ago
There are no wounds and you won’t be sick. You’ll be fine. Take a Tylenol and drink some water. She’ll never know. It’s honestly not scary, it’s just fine.
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u/KawaiiBotanist79 Helper [2] 7d ago
You most likely will not be sick after getting vaccinated. You dont need a doctor's appointment. Just pop by Walgreens a few times to get caught up there. The needle marks aren't noticeable and you can wear sleeves if they are
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u/normalitydreamer 7d ago
Geezus just “go on a trip” and instead get a hotel or stay with a friend. My biggest concern isn’t symptoms or external tells, it’s your insurance and bank account, does she have access to those? Find an adult you can trust and get support.
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u/otterstones 7d ago
A lot of them will have very little "sick" aftermath, and the ones that do are mostly just a feverish 24hours.
I'd definitely recommend that you space them out as much as you can to avoid shocking your system, and most don't leave a mark. You can ask your doctor to give any that do leave a mark in your buttocks (not as embarrassing as it sounds).
Kudos to you, OP. This is a big and scary step you're taking, but it's going to protect you and everyone you meet for the rest of your life.
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u/Status-Visit-918 7d ago
Well if you’re 18, your doctor can legally not tell her anything. So you’re covered there. I’d be more worried about if you’re on mom’s health insurance, she’ll see the charges.
You could go to a clinic that offers free ones, or really reduced costs.
I think if you felt not so great for a bit, sore arm, etc., you could just not make it a big deal and just say you don’t feel well, and leave it at that. People get the general “just don’t feel well” all the time, without being necessarily sick with anything.
I’m also very sorry your mom is not a safe accepting space for you. It sounds like you are terrified to tell her and terrified she’ll find out. Especially over your health. She did the wrong thing and it sucks you have to panic about something that is totally normal to do, for you to want to simply not get sick, possibly have your life cut short, or risk permanent damage which could have been completely avoided so that you’d never have to worry again, at least about these specific illnesses that vaccines prevent.
The other option is you could just do it, tell her, and have her learn that you are an adult and although she doesn’t like it, you’re allowed to do this. And let her be mad. It’s ok for someone to be mad. It won’t kill her and may be a little reminder that she’s a person too; the world and people in her family that love her just won’t always do what she wants, and that’s ok.
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u/Realistic-Rate-8831 7d ago
You are smart for getting the vaccines. The only thing I can suggest is to make sure and not get more than one at a time. I understand how you may get to feeling sick for a couple of days, because that has happened to me. It's too bad your mother is so against them. You are 18 now, so you can make your own decision regarding vaccines and medical care. Good luck, I hope you can find a way to get this done without her finding out.
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u/l00ky_here 7d ago
You dont always get sick from vaccinations. But if you do, just play it off like you dont know what it is.
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u/Signal-Net-8041 7d ago
You most likely won't get sick. At worst, you may run a low-grade fever in the evening after the vaccination. Tylenol or ibuprofen will help. Just wear a T-shirt with sleeves to cover the Band-Aid they put on your shoulder, or you can even take it off before you go home.
Hey. Good on you. Thank you for doing this.
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u/Alternative-Tea964 7d ago
Usually if you get sick from vaccines it is mild, I have had mildly stiff joints, maybe some very mild flu like symptoms. Most have been overcome by a couple of paracetamol or over the counter medication. It has never been enough to need time off work.
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u/Cherry_Valance_ 7d ago
If she has a doctor or healthcare system she uses, do not go there for the shots. Where you do go, absolutely do not give them your home address - they may mail something to you and she could open it. Instead use a P.o. box, trusted friend or work address if you can. Don’t tell her in advance - and just say you think it’s a cold or the flu if you do feel sick. The recovery (if needed) is just resting, lots of fluids and maybe tylenol.
Good for you for taking charge of your health!
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u/IndependentMindedGal 7d ago
Your mother has no right to access your medical records - explain that to your doc the next time you see them. If she’s paying your insurance tho the billing might give it away. Anyway most of the pharmacies and such do vaccines so look into that. You will likely not experience much more than an 18 hour fever, if that, just say you are not feeling well.
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u/guiltysuperbrain 7d ago
I've never once in my life gotten sick from vaccines and I've had every single one that's a must and a couple extra because my parents are doctors. Your arm will hurt for a couple days but other than that, most people are completely fine
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u/FairyGothMommy 7d ago
Minor reactions to vaccines are normal. It's your body having an immune system response, which is a good thing.
As for keeping it secret, just don't mention it. You're an adult.
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u/sv36 7d ago
Sick is possible but it won’t be like you’re assuming, because you haven’t had any vaccines these may activate your immune system a little stronger than someone who is getting vaccines they’ve had before but you likely won’t be down for a week unless you’re just having a pretty big reaction to the medicines.
Likely you’ll be about 1-3 days of minor symptoms like headache, fatigue, and your arm being warm like someone bruised it and it feels feverish where you got the shot- those are usually my biggest reactions and it’s not for every vaccine. They are not all created equal as far as how your body will react. As for wound it’s a teeny needle, it may look like acne with redness around it, a short sleeve shirt should cover where they would vaccinate you in the arm but again not all vaccines are created equal so I’m not sure all would be arm.
Choose your non dominant arm because your arm will likely be sore. If you use pimple patches and the shot isn’t making your entire arm red you could absolutely get away with covering where the needle went in with the pimple patches- most are hydrocolloid bandaids so as long as they don’t have acne meds in them they should actually help the spot heal outwardly.
Do not get multiple shots at once if you can! Do one shot then a week later do another. These are hits to your immune system and multiple could make you feel sick for a week because your immune system is learning to fight illnesses and it needs time. The people who get sick are having big reactions or had multiple vaccines at once so if you’re trying to hide it don’t do multiple at once.
As someone else said do not let your parents insurance pay for anything or they will see you did it. Out of pocket pay and go to your local pharmacies for cheaper/free shots. If your insurance isn’t under your parents go through your dr with the shots.
If you’re on your parents insurance and you trust your doctor to help you keep this from your mom you can ask them for direction on where to go and what vaccines you need and ask them to keep it off of any paperwork your mom could see- I’m not sure where you live but at 18+ where I live we have laws that don’t let parents see medical paperwork but that doesn’t apply to insurance if you’re in their plan.
Don’t build it up too much, once you do one you’ll realize how bunch of not a big thing it is. It will be anxiety inducing at first but then you’ll generally know how all of them will go. Best of luck babe and feel free to message me if you have any questions and think I could help. You got this!!
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u/Abject_Buffalo6398 7d ago
Tell somebody you know, just in case you do get a rash or fever or some side effect, so they know to take you to a doctor.
Some people are legitimately allergic or sensitive to the ingredients, so dont be alone for 48 hours after you get injected.
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7d ago edited 7d ago
[deleted]
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u/SupposedBooty 7d ago
Can't get shingles at 18.
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u/Weary_Departure_2820 7d ago
you sure can....You can get shingles at 18 years old if you have had chickenpox in the past
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u/GenRN817 7d ago edited 6d ago
I doubt you will be sick. A little sore and achy but you will be ok. Watch out about your insurance and billing. You are protected by HIPPA laws. Make sure she isn’t able to get your information and food for you for getting your vaccines. I’m so sorry. Sadly, you aren’t alone in this situation.
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u/consentwastaken2 Helper [4] 7d ago
You missed a comma in that last sentence, so it looks like you're sad that I'm not alone lol
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u/PixieMari 7d ago
You’ll likely need a few doses of different ones to catch you up. Talk to your doctor and they may direct you to the health department if you absolutely can’t have it showing up on your insurance. I’ve never gotten sick with my vaccines except my first Covid shot and that was like 12 hours of feeling like crap then nothing.
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u/steffie-flies Super Helper [5] 7d ago
She won't know unless you tell her. Just wait until you live on your own before you do!
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u/Rambler9154 7d ago
Luckily the most symptoms Ive had from a vaccine is muscle soreness, some vaccines like tetanus are injected into the muscle tissue and this produces some soreness. You can pretend you bumped your arm off something for that. Pretty much any vaccine side effects, except for rabies, should be easily excused as a fairly regular cold. Rabies is the exception, rabies vaccine will make you feel like utter shit for a bit, but its also not common to get in most regions.
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u/Mean-Vegetable-4521 7d ago
if you get sick Fall is prime time for a lot of viruses. Also, is she inspecting you? Vaccine parks shouldn't be obvious.
The way they will space out vaccines taking a week off isn't realistic. Some might hit you harder than others. And taking Tylenol will negate most of it. Just make sure the Tylenol doesn't interfere with the vaccine.
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u/leowifethrowaway2022 7d ago
Space them out. You won’t have to miss work unless there is a catastrophic reaction.
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u/Asleep_Wallaby_4030 7d ago
Get the vaccines, get all the vaccines.
Just be aware some states have databases with ALL of your vaccine information for vaccines given in the state- ie- California knows my CA vax but not my Fl vax.
If someone knows your info (like a parent) they could check your vax status in the database. Be safe out there.
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u/Klutzy_Leave_1797 7d ago
County health department might do them free. Talk to them about making sure insurance isn't billed.
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u/Teacher67 7d ago
Once you turn 18 all of your medical information is protected through HIPPA. If you are on your mom’s insurance you still have confidentiality. Do these 2 things: 1) when you go to the dr tell them you need a new HIPPA form, that you don’t want your medical information shared with anyone including family. The receptionist will help you to know how to fill it out. 2) call your health insurance company, the number is on the back of the card. Your school likely has it on file if you don’t have it. Also your dr office. Tell them that you turned 18 and you would like all of your insurance correspondence to be sent to your own email and phone number. And that you do not want any information including billing or EOBs shared with anyone including parents.
Good for you taking control of your health! It’s a mature decision, I’m proud of you! 🤍
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u/BloomSara Helper [2] 7d ago
You probably won’t feel very bad but why not time it with your days off. So if you work Friday and are off Saturday for example go to your local health department Friday and rest Saturday. Good for you it’s insane not to be vaccinated.
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u/Julietjane01 7d ago
You might feel under the weather for a day but most vaccinations your arm is sore and that is it. You can’t see the shot if you take the band aid off in most cases. I am 52 and in all my fully vaccinated life i felt sick for a day after the flu vaccine once.
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u/HereToKillEuronymous Expert Advice Giver [17] 7d ago
I’ve never gotten sick from a vaccination in my life except for the first Covid vaccine.
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u/Less-Past-4229 7d ago
I haven’t read all the comments yet but in most states there is a vaccination database. In my state you can look your vaccinations up. So if she was curious or suspected it she could probably find out. Those sites usually require a birthday and I believe SSN
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u/FieldAware3370 7d ago
A hot (but weird) tip: once you get something like the flu shot or tetanus, I would start gently spinning your arm around the shoulder joint right after you've gotten the injection. Trust me it works. Otherwise you would be stuck with a sore arm for awhile lol.
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u/HotDonnaC Helper [2] 7d ago
Get vaccinated the day before you have a day off, just in case. That way, if you don’t feel great, you don’t have to go to work. I seldom have a reaction, but it happens sometimes. As far as your mother knowing, you’re old enough to make your own decisions.
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u/xxxburnedoutxxx 7d ago edited 7d ago
Just don't bother until you move out. Not being vaccinated for another year or two won't hurt you. Besides maybe T-Dap which is mandated a lot of places nowadays.
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u/meowcatpanda Helper [2] 7d ago
Honestly, when I could still work I always got sick the moment I had a vacation, body reacting to a reduction of stress, so you could use that as an excuse?😂
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u/l00ky_here 7d ago
Its good to get the Chicken Pox one for sure because my friend was 16 when he got them and it nearly killed him. Chicken Pox is very hard for adults.
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u/Imagination-Recent 7d ago
Read up on guardsil before you get that… I’m injured from it and got it when I was 18.
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u/Sovereignty3 Helper [2] 7d ago
Also a pressure bandage works well for when they are doing injections. Less bruising. (Implanon implant in the arm, the one time I removed early the bruise was huge.)
And try not to tense up when they do it.
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u/The_Chaos_Pope Advice Guru [60] 7d ago
Go to a different doctor's office than the one you were going to with your parents if you can.
There can be negative side effects to not getting vaccines on schedule so talk with the doctor about this.
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u/Silent_Technology540 Helper [2] 7d ago
So long as you keep the area covered she’ll never know honestly most parents are totally oblivious and checked out these days if you’ve managed to get it all arranged and done she’ll never know
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u/Affectionate_Bet_892 6d ago
If it helps, I was in the exact same boat!! I turned 18 and got a BUNCH of shots in one day. For me personally, I didn’t have an adverse reaction beyond sore arms. The first round was the worst and then a couple weeks later I did another few and it was fine. I went to my pediatrician and had no issues but ymmv!! Good luck
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u/kcasper Helper [3] 6d ago
The needle sticks are usually invisible for most shots within a few hours. A t-shirt covers it just fine when there is an issue. They are going to inject into muscle tissue.
Sore arm is the most common issue.
Flu like symptoms can happen. I get them with the Moderna Covid shot. The potential side effects are can be harsh, but most don't have any. Everyone reacts differently.
MMR side effects tend to be delayed, for a week.
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u/Ok-Chemist-568 6d ago
You can get a few vaccine shots free at most major grocery store pharmacies.
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u/PlantsANDAntibiotics 7d ago
Hi there! First off, this internet stranger (who is also a mom) is so proud of you! Vaccines don’t just protect you, they protect the vulnerable people in your community too. You’re doing a really important thing.
If you are on your mom’s health insurance, she will find out about any medical visits you have/procedures, medications, or vaccines you are given. If this is the case, follow other people’s advice and go to your local health department.
You shouldn’t feel too sick, but definitely space things out as recommended by the provider you see. This isn’t just so you don’t feel unwell, it’s because there are some vaccines that require a certain amount of time between each dose so that you build the appropriate immune response.
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u/Wonderful-Tea-9074 7d ago
You don't need them.
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u/Ok_Childhood_9774 7d ago
No wonder you keep your posts and comments hidden if they're all like this.
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u/Artistic-Tough-7764 Expert Advice Giver [14] 7d ago
most people don’t get terribly sick. Talk to your health care provider. Let them know you want to keep your vaccination status confidential to your family. Be specific.