View Full Version : Advice sought: baby given wrong needle
Hello everyone today my 10 week old son went to get his 2 months shots but the doctor gave him the wrong needle.
She gave him one that is ment to be given at 12 months for Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
We have used all the usual resources available to find out possible side affects or problems but cant seem to get a straight answer.
Has anyone had similar happen or maybe some advice all will be appreciated
Regards: Darryl
Did the Dr mention that he gave the wrong needle?
That is pretty careless:(
munchkin05
09-10-2006, 16:24
sorry dont know if there is any major side effects with giving the needle at such a young age but im sure the doc would have said something if there was
but my question is how the hell can a doctor give the wrong needle in the first place
pretty careless doctor i think
sopolicha
09-10-2006, 16:25
If it was one of my children, I would be getting onto a solicitor, that is just so wrong.
The Doctor realised and admitted her mistake 2 minutes after doin it.
I'd definitely report the doctor. I hope your son is okay. Pretty big error in my opinion even if he's fine.
Mum&bubs
09-10-2006, 16:27
:eek: :eek: That is ridiculous!! (sp?) I would have been fuming!
Did the doctor say there would be any problems or anything??
OMG you poor thing you must be beside yourself with worry.
No advice sorry, but :hugs: to you.
I agree with Sopolicha - go and seek legal advice:thumbsup:
the_queen
09-10-2006, 16:30
I'd be contacting a solicitor too. The MMR is not scheduled to be given until 12 months because it is just not safe for younger babies. (I'm a non-vaxer so IMO no vaccines are safe ;)) I would be contacting a solicitor who specialises in medical negligence cases. Please name and shame the doctor (unless that's against the UA, mods?)
munchkin05
09-10-2006, 16:33
I'd be contacting a solicitor too. The MMR is not scheduled to be given until 12 months because it is just not safe for younger babies. (I'm a non-vaxer so IMO no vaccines are safe ;)) I would be contacting a solicitor who specialises in medical negligence cases. Please name and shame the doctor (unless that's against the UA, mods?)
i would get onto a solicitor
if your really worried called the hospital or the health line and see what that have to say about it
hope you son is ok :hugs:
My god:eek: And this person is a DR! I hope your son is and will be OK get some good legal advice and by boy oh boy do I hope she goes down:mad:
my daughter was given quadricel at 12 months, this is a 4 year old vaccine and i didnt realise til i rang the immunisation register to check she was up to date at 18 months. i rang the doctor who said 'oops well not much we can do now she will still need it at four.' i was told she should not have side effects but you never know. its a 4 yr old vaccine for a bloody reason. :banghead:
I saw a documentary on SBS a while ago about medical negligence and it showed a case where a child got given a needle via drip that should have gone into the muscle (or vice versa:o I forget) and that child died as a result of that accident.
The reason I relay this to you is not that I think your bubs will come to any harm, but that it is quite a serious error on the part of the Dr. and she needs to be reported to the AMA. Next time it may not be a 'harmless' error, or an allergic child could be given a fatal dose of something. It is really important that these mistakes can't happen, and it is up to us to report negligence when we see it.
Hope everything goes OK with your baby.:)
At the time she rang the Australian immunisation and didnt have mutch to say other than he will be alright. she then stuck him in a room so a nurse could watch him for an hour.
After this we have contacted Redlands Health for advice who got a Dr to call us back an they didnt know to mutch other than than the injection is given earier than 12 months in the UK. And to watch for rash or fever
After that we rang relivent authorities to make a complaint.
They must have contacted the doctor cause she then wrang us to see if Marcus is alright and we are not to stressed. She also opologised again an said accidents do happen. My partner told her we had sought advice and was told he may run a fever and get a rash and him he does take him to Mater childrens.
When she heard we sought advice she got a lil snappy an said was it a doctor that told you he may get a rash and wanted to know the doctors name. Also sugested not takin him to Mater Childrens Hospital as there is not mutch they would be able to do for a rash.
Personally, to me its negligence and I would be seeking advice and though it may not cause damage, its a pretty big mistake. Aren't immunisations supposed to be checked by a second person before given?? Not sure about that but they are at my Drs.
It depends where you see it in severity as to what should be done about it. They did do all they could after the mistake had been made but it never should have happened in the first place.
As a minimum, Id find a new Dr.
Missus S
09-10-2006, 17:16
The best thing to do would be to contact the Medical Information department of the company that makes the vaccine and ask them about it.
Find out from your GP exactly which is the vaccine she administered by error and the name of the pharmaceutical company that manufacturers it. You will then be able to contact that pharmaceutical company & just ask for their Medical Info department (this number may even be listed in the White Pages). They will probably be able to do a search on any other similar case reports. They may also send a form to your GP requesting her to complete an adverse event drug report as she has administered the wrong drug :mad:
In addition to that, you can contact the Immunise Australia Information Line on 1800 671811 (if you haven't already) to see if they can offer any advice.
All the best - hope your bubba is OK.
OMG:eek: I certainly would sue if i were you...doctors are supposed to protect children:shame: and mistakes should not happen:no:
Have a look at this it has all the fact of MMR and may have a helpline for you
http://www.mmrthefacts.nhs.uk/questions/question.php?id=81
Im sure you son will be ok :hugs: 2 you both
"Why is the recommended age that a child should receive the mmr vaccine between 12 and 18 months? Surely if the vaccine is safe, it should be given much earlier to avoid getting measles, mumps and rubella?"
MMR is given shortly after the first birthday at around 13 months of age. This is because all babies are born with immunity (protection) which they get from their mums via the placneta. In the case of measles, mumps and rubella, this immunity lasts for about the first year of life. Giving MMR before the first birthday may mean that it doesn't work, as any remaining maternal immunity will wipe out any protective effect of the vaccine.
Just incase the link does not work
looks like your son may have to have this again when he is 1, i would look into this with a more decent doctor
:hugs:
the_queen
09-10-2006, 17:48
If the doctor is getting snippy, that's because she doesn't want too many people knowing about it, and is hoping that you don't report her. I wouldn't be speaking to her again, if it was me.
(Actually if it was me I'd be, what is the term, opening a can o'whoopass on her :devil6: but that's just me....)
ok.. other than what every one has said here about our reactions to it all (and yes it is appalling).
I can PM you a number to a drug centre.
They were fantastic for a situation I had a few months ago.
They can look at certain drugs and medications, tell you what they have in them etc, and tell you what possible side effects they have.
I'm in Melbourne, as is the Monash Drug Centre, but i'm thinking you won't be caring about the cost of an interstate phone call at this point.
Let me know and i'll PM the number to you.
Honestly, they were fantastic and very thorough.
I'm thinking they'd be the people to talk to.
I hope your little man will be fine.
Duchessa
09-10-2006, 18:20
"Why is the recommended age that a child should receive the mmr vaccine between 12 and 18 months? Surely if the vaccine is safe, it should be given much earlier to avoid getting measles, mumps and rubella?"
MMR is given shortly after the first birthday at around 13 months of age. This is because all babies are born with immunity (protection) which they get from their mums via the placneta. In the case of measles, mumps and rubella, this immunity lasts for about the first year of life. Giving MMR before the first birthday may mean that it doesn't work, as any remaining maternal immunity will wipe out any protective effect of the vaccine.
Just incase the link does not work
looks like your son may have to have this again when he is 1, i would look into this with a more decent doctor
:hugs:
I think you might want to check your facts.
SilverStarfish
09-10-2006, 18:37
Aren't immunisations supposed to be checked by a second person before given?? Not sure about that but they are at my Drs.
They are at Sarah's doctor. The nurse gets the vaccine ready, the doctor comes in to check it, it's checked again by the nurse and then the needles are given. The nurse there is a fantasitic lady, very friendly and gentle with the babies.
MamaSage
09-10-2006, 18:38
When she heard we sought advice she got a lil snappy an said was it a doctor that told you he may get a rash and wanted to know the doctors name. Also sugested not takin him to Mater Childrens Hospital as there is not mutch they would be able to do for a rash.
She was snappy as she knows she could be in serious trouble! And as for saying not to bother with the hosp, that is downright negligent. Your baby has been administered a vaccine that it should not have been. If you are worried, take the baby to the hospital. This Dr is obviously trying to cover her ****! Definitley reprt her, who knows how many other times this may have happened?
CrazyBeautiful
09-10-2006, 20:29
Aren't immunisations supposed to be checked by a second person before given?? Not sure about that but they are at my Drs.
If an RN is administering a vaccine or any medication in general to babies or children it is to be checked by another RN or EN. I think in the case of a Dr administering, it does not have to be doubled checked. I know that Dr's administering IV meds for eg. in the hospital system don't double check with another Dr or RN. Whereas, we have to have it double checked with another RN.
dragonflyblu
09-10-2006, 21:01
I would be seeking legal advice soonish and I would also ask the doctor in writing for the exact vaccine name and what brand is it. There are more than one MMR's and like any medication they are supplied by different companies with different formulas. In fact probably best to document any conversations you have had with the doctor noting down the time, the advice given and exactly what you asked, as I am sure the doctors surgery has already done this.
I would take any side effect (ie any change in usual behaviour any rash anything that you know is not usual) in the next 24-48 hours very seriously and go to the hospital for a check up. Dont forget that your baby has been given a mild dose of the viruses. I think the hospital would also take it seriously no matter how small the symptom. If you do go to the hospital for anything I would also note this down, dont just rely on medical records from the hospital.
I know this all sounds very detailed but a simple diary of events will be very useful if you do need to see a lawyer.
I am sure it will all be fine. You poor things you must be worried out of your mind. Just remember that you know your baby better than anyone and trust your own instincts.
I can not believe she said that, that is so disgusting I would be suing her a$$ for Negligence, stress, and giving the wrong injection I just told my Husband who said he feels sick and so sorry for your baby, he said a few choice words about the DR too, I hope you do take him to hospital should anything happen to him, I would not be taking her advice on that one!:hugs:
reAllytee
09-10-2006, 21:34
Ok while i do agree that you should possibly look at taking this to a solicitor especially as your doctor doesnt exactly seem apologetic for what has happened let alone understanding of your anxiety im also going to point out that doctors are human & unfortunately they make mistakes which is sad & horrible but its life.
Now that being said please take bubs to the hospy if anything seems wrong or your worried bout anything i cant even understand why she would be so against the idea if bubs came out in a rash. Well ok i can she is trying to cover her backside but still this is standard procedure after any vaccinations !!!!
Now another thing i would advise is to find another doctor quick smart !!
Ive had a think about this this morning after responding yesterday and Im not sure now that it would be worth talking to a solicitor. Reasons are that you will not get financial compensation unless damage is done and you can prove it is an abnormal reaction and it would be an extreme case for her to loose her licence to practice. The only way I think you would have a case is if you could prove you did not intend to the the MMR at all but you would be unlikely to be able to prove that.
It is a bad thing. It is careless and negligent and an emotive subject but Im not sure you would have anything to gain.
Just thoughts that struck me this morning.
jessgray
10-10-2006, 14:36
i am shocked that this happened to you and your child. but as some else pointed out if you seek legal action you may not get compesation unless something happens to your child as a result of the needle being given.
but i would report the dr. its not acceptable. i can only imagine how you are feeling right now. my ds ran a high fever when he had the 12 month needles and that was 5.5 months ago so i can only imagine your bub being very feverish and ill :(
i hope it all works out:hugs:
the_queen
10-10-2006, 14:41
If it was me, monetary compensation would be the FARTHEST thing from my mind.
I would be taking action because, what if this has happened to 10 other babies and their parents haven't reported it? What if this doctor has frequently "dodged a bullet" regarding de-registration and this will be the final straw?
Doctors are human, but this is your baby we're talking about!
dragonflyblu
15-10-2006, 15:55
I agree with you the_queen, but more importantly, Marcus how is bubs????
I agree with you the_queen, but more importantly, Marcus how is bubs????
The same thing has happened to my 4 months old baby. The doctor administered a wrong vaccine to him and realized it after 2 mins, but she didn't tell us what vaccine she has given to my baby by error. She just asked me to come next week to have the vaccine which she didn't given today. I am upset for that. My baby has kept slept for 5 hours before I wake him up. I am worried about him.:confused:
This is exactly why babies should be immunised by properly qualified immunisation nurses who do nothing else, all day every day. Busy GPs who do a million different things are not best placed to immunise children. Dcotors hardly ever actually administer medication. They prescribe it, a pharmacist dispenses it and a nurse administers it. There should be several levels of checks, and mistakes still happen. The immunisation nurses I go to show me the vial, tell me what it is for and check it with another nurse and the paperwork before I even get Esme's legs out.
I'd report it to the practice manager and probably the AMA too. She need further training, at least. The immunisation nurses at your local children's hospital will be able to put you in contact with the appropriate experts to work out what to do with your baby's immunisations next. I hope there are no problems with it. :hugs:
~Temet Nosce~
07-07-2009, 21:26
I had my dd's 2 month needles done at the drs, and have never been back. They were way too rough and its obvious they don't deal with children and baby immunisations every day. I ALWAYS go to a MCHN now :yes:
I would be absolutely livid.
I have just searched the web and found that some expert said that you shouldn't give the DTPA and the MMR to the baby and the same time. I am so worried about my baby.
I have just searched the web and found that some expert said that you shouldn't give the DTPA and the MMR to the baby and the same time. I am so worried about my baby.
How does your baby seem after the long sleep? All you can do is keep an eye on him and if he seems unwell, take him to the hospital. He will probably be ok, but may be a bit fussy or uncomfortable as babies often are after their vaccinations. I would find out what the incorrect injection was, so that if he has any problems you can tell the treating doctor.:hugs:
I have just searched the web and found that some expert said that you shouldn't give the DTPA and the MMR to the baby and the same time. I am so worried about my baby.
:hugs: I'm so sorry you and your baby had to go through this.
Did your baby definitely have the DTaP and the MMR together? You said in your previous post that you were unsure which vaxes were given. Your Doc should have it documented.
I would call the doctors back and find out which vaccine bub was givena dn then phone the hospital and ask them for advice hun.
:hugs: how upsetting for you all.
:hugs: I'm so sorry you and your baby had to go through this.
Did your baby definitely have the DTaP and the MMR together? You said in your previous post that you were unsure which vaxes were given. Your Doc should have it documented.
Yes, I think my baby did have the DTP and the MMR together. As my doctor said that the two words were very similar, which I think should be Rotarix and Priorix.
I am a little afriad that if I call the doctor to ask she would be snappy as Marcus's doctor did.
How does your baby seem after the long sleep? All you can do is keep an eye on him and if he seems unwell, take him to the hospital. He will probably be ok, but may be a bit fussy or uncomfortable as babies often are after their vaccinations. I would find out what the incorrect injection was, so that if he has any problems you can tell the treating doctor.:hugs:
My baby cried and fell to sleep again and again after that long sleep. And woke up and cried during last night up to 6 times. which didn't like him.
sweetseven
08-07-2009, 13:40
This is exactly why babies should be immunised by properly qualified immunisation nurses who do nothing else, all day every day. Busy GPs who do a million different things are not best placed to immunise children. Dcotors hardly ever actually administer medication. They prescribe it, a pharmacist dispenses it and a nurse administers it. There should be several levels of checks, and mistakes still happen. The immunisation nurses I go to show me the vial, tell me what it is for and check it with another nurse and the paperwork before I even get Esme's legs out. The nurse at my GP behaves very much like a CHN. She is qualified as a midwife, and does all the baby checks. We book appointments with the nurse (instead of, or as well as, a doctor) for baby checks. And when seeing her, she'll call in a doctor when necessary (normally paperwork reasons). She also show parents the vials and explains what they are before administering.
My baby cried and fell to sleep again and again after that long sleep. And woke up and cried during last night up to 6 times. which didn't like him.
If you are concerned about your bub I would suggest going to your local Hospital.
:hugs: I'm so sorry you and your baby had to go through this.
Did your baby definitely have the DTaP and the MMR together? You said in your previous post that you were unsure which vaxes were given. Your Doc should have it documented.
And when I Went home from the clinic, I checked the bluebook, I found that my doctor didn't mention the mistake. It looks like she just did it right.
If you are concerned about your bub I would suggest going to your local Hospital.
I would take my baby to the hospital tomorrow. My husband has gone to work, and I cannot drive.
And when I Went home from the clinic, I checked the bluebook, I found that my doctor didn't mention the mistake. It looks like she just did it right.
That's a worry! I would try and find out from your doctor what the incorrect vax was before too much time passes. Looks like she hasn't documented it.
Has your son got a temperature at all? Even after the correct vaccinations, babies sometimes feel unwell for a few days:( Just keep an eye on him and give your doctor a call to find out what she gave him. Make sure you write it down!
So sorry you are going through this worry and hugs to your little boy. He will probably be fine - just keep an eye on him.
xx:hugs:
I would take my baby to the hospital tomorrow. My husband has gone to work, and I cannot drive.
If your baby is still unwell this afternoon and you feel he needs to be checked by a doctor, don't hesitate to call an ambulance for transport if you cannot get a taxi.
xialamu- Have you got a neighbour who can drive you to your local hospital?
Its not worth the risk of treating at home.
That's a worry! I would try and find out from your doctor what the incorrect vax was before too much time passes. Looks like she hasn't documented it.
Has your son got a temperature at all? Even after the correct vaccinations, babies sometimes feel unwell for a few days:( Just keep an eye on him and give your doctor a call to find out what she gave him. Make sure you write it down!
So sorry you are going through this worry and hugs to your little boy. He will probably be fine - just keep an eye on him.
xx:hugs:
I just called the doctor and asked her what vaccine she has given to my baby by error, but she didn't admited that. She said that she just missing some dose of the right vaccine.
xialamu- Have you got a neighbour who can drive you to your local hospital?
Its not worth the risk of treating at home.
Thank u, and thanks to NewMe, my baby has woken up. and he looks happy now.
The reason MMR is not given before 12m is because they don't seroconvert properly at this age. She should be fine but he will need to have it again when he is 12m because she still won't have sufficient immunity. The Dr should be lodging an incident report and they have should have been checking it with you and comparing with the schedule for your state. It is safer to go to a child health clinic to get your vaccinations as everyone has mentioned. I Work at one and I know the schedule off by heart and we have a process by which the vaccines are checked about 4 times by the time we give them...
My husband was angry when he heard that the doctor didn't admit she had given the baby wrong needle. He considered that the doctor tell lies and tried to cover what she have done. Because at that time When she found that she has made a small mistake, she told us that it was because the two vaccines were very similar, and when my husband asked her if the wrong needle was for babies, she said yes.
I am not sure if she tell lies. But as long as my baby is ok, My heart is at rest.
Does anyone know is there any defference between the infanrix hexa vaccines ( dtp, influenzae type b, hepatitis b and polio) for different months babies? I can find at the bluebook that babies at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months need to have the infanrix hexa, if there is differences, then maybe the doctor didn't tell lies.
Sorry, can't help with your question but I'm glad your baby's back to normal. Even the correct vaxes can knock babies around for a few days. Also hoping your doctor didn't lie and it was just a misunderstanding.
Sorry, can't help with your question but I'm glad your baby's back to normal. Even the correct vaxes can knock babies around for a few days. Also hoping your doctor didn't lie and it was just a misunderstanding.
Thank u, Harriet.
My husband was angry when he heard that the doctor didn't admit she had given the baby wrong needle. He considered that the doctor tell lies and tried to cover what she have done. Because at that time When she found that she has made a small mistake, she told us that it was because the two vaccines were very similar, and when my husband asked her if the wrong needle was for babies, she said yes.
I am not sure if she tell lies. But as long as my baby is ok, My heart is at rest.
Does anyone know is there any defference between the infanrix hexa vaccines ( dtp, influenzae type b, hepatitis b and polio) for different months babies? I can find at the bluebook that babies at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months need to have the infanrix hexa, if there is differences, then maybe the doctor didn't tell lies.
The Infarix Hexa is the same vaccine for 2,4 and 6 months so you don't have to worry about that one.
Fuchsia!
13-07-2009, 11:53
wow this seems to happen more and more lately :no:
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