Preparing for Your Vaccination Clinic Visit

Learn about how to prepare for a visit to Public Health's Vaccination Clinic with Wendy Owen, Public Health Nurse.

Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County
937-225-5700

Transcript

Announcer "Welcome to Public Health Care's, a podcast produced by Public Health Dayton and Montgomery County and dedicated to keeping all of Montgomery County, Ohio, a healthy, safe and thriving community."

Dan Suffoletto "Thank you for joining us for today's episode of Public Health Cares. I'm your host, Dan Buffalo, public information manager, and today we will hear from Wendy Owen, public health nurse supervisor in our public health clinic. Hey, Wendy, thanks for joining us today."

Wendy Owen "Hi, Dan. Thanks for having me."

Dan Suffoletto "Okay. We have a very interesting topic for us today here. We're going to talk about vaccinations in our public health clinic. And before we get into too much detail we call it the public health clinic. However the clinic doesn't provide all the doctor services that you may have at your family a physician. Can you tell us a little bit about that, Wendy, and what some of the services are we provide?"

Wendy Owen "Sure. Specifically speaking in the clinic that I manage, we offer routine vaccines for infants, children, teens and adults. We have vaccines for international travelers, and we also do rabies vaccine for both pre and post exposure."

Dan Suffoletto "So we have pretty much all the vaccines that you can need. We also have an STD clinic. So we're talking about sexually transmitted diseases. And we also have a tuberculosis clinic where they can test you for TB. So if you're looking for services beyond that unfortunately that's something that we cannot help you with at this time. But let's turn our, focus on to what we can help you with."

Dan Suffoletto And that's vaccinations. And that's why Wendy's joining us here today. So tell us a little bit about some of the types of vaccines are available. We have things for children. We have things for adults. We have things for travelers. So tell us a little bit about that.

Wendy Owen "Sure. So we offer, a tetanus vaccine both for children and adults. We have polio, Hib, rotavirus, pneumococcal, hepatitis A and B, HPV meningococcal, both the aqu Y and the B, we have MMR and varicella shingles, RSV, yellow fever, typhoid, both oral and injectable. And we also offer flu and Covid vaccine."

Dan Suffoletto "All right. So we have it all for you there. And we're recording this at the end of December. So we'd be remiss if we didn't say that it's not too late to get your flu shot. So if you haven't gotten that yet and you're looking for a place to come, tell us where we are physically located. For those who are not familiar."

Wendy Owen "Sure. So we're located at 117 South Main Street here in Dayton. Some of the, the, locations that I look outside the window and see Levitt Pavilion, Spaghetti Warehouse is right across the street from our parking garage, which is something that, a lot of people are nervous about trying to find. So, if you use our parking garage will validate your parking for the date of service."

Wendy Owen We have the convention center. Those are those are the major places I think most people are familiar with hearing. Right.

Dan Suffoletto "It's it's on Main Street, right between fourth and fifth Street. The entrance to the garage, and with free parking. If you're getting your, vaccination here that is off of fifth Street. So it's very convenient. It's also kitty corner from where the, the bus transportation hub is. So if you're taking a bus, you don't need to transfer."

Dan Suffoletto "You can just come right downtown, walk across the street, and you'll be good to go. So we talked about some of the vaccines that are available. And we do have some fees associated with that. So, tell us a little bit about the fee structure and how we work that."

Wendy Owen "Sure. So, in many cases we have patients that have a commercial insurance or a private insurance and, and in most cases that covers your recommended vaccines at no cost to you. However, many patients have plans that do not cover, vaccines in the case of, like a Medicare program or a student, program, they they do not cover a lot of the routine vaccines."

Wendy Owen "So there are programs that assist with that, notably the VFC and the 317 program, VFC being for children in the 317 program for adults. Vaccine administration fees can be eligible based on someone's income. That's compared to the federal poverty guidelines. For those who do not have insurance. And in the case that you are looking to get travel vaccines or there are a few that aren't offered through either program, there may be an out-of-pocket payment associated."

Wendy Owen But we still have the most affordable rates.

Dan Suffoletto "So that's great. We do have a lot of options for you. It's best to just give us a call so we can talk to you about it, because there's some intricacies in there in terms of which program you may be qualified for, for discounts and so forth. So, before we go further, our number here is 937225 4 or 5 five zero."

Dan Suffoletto "If you have any questions for our immunization program, they can they can talk to you about it. And we are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 430 with a break for lunch from 1130 to 1230. So otherwise you can give us a call and they'll be able to answer your questions. But I have more questions for you, Wendy."

Wendy Owen I know I.

Dan Suffoletto "Did. We will answer a lot of them here, and they won't even need to call other than to make an appointment. So you can call and make an appointment right after you. You're done listening to our program here today. So you decided, okay, I'm going to come in and I want to make an appointment. What type of documentation do you need for an appointment?"

Wendy Owen "Sure. There are some things that you can do to prepare for your visit. Notably, some of the things that you want to bring into your appointment are your most up to date immunization record. That helps our nurses know exactly what you've already received and what you might be do for your appointment. In some cases, people, are not sure where to look for their records and that if that's the case, you can definitely give us a call and we'll we'll give you some pointers."

Wendy Owen "We might be able to send off a request on your behalf. That's a that's a difficult thing to navigate, but we can definitely help you with that. You also want to bring in a copy of your photo ID and any insurance cards or information that you have related to the, the, insurance. And then, of course, you want to come with a list of questions in case you should have any of those."

Wendy Owen We can definitely answer any of those and point you in the direction of places that you can do some research. If you want to do that on your own time.

Dan Suffoletto "So getting back to the, vaccination records, that can be tricky. Because there's a lot of different ways that that, takes place and the way that the records are kept. So one tip that we have for you is if you are getting vaccinated, either yourself or your children, keep those records with you, because that's going to be your your first and best way to have it is to keep those records."

Dan Suffoletto "When you cross state lines, if you got vaccinated, one state and you're in another state, that's also very problematic. If you've been vaccinated for, a long time ago, that's also problematic in terms of getting those records. So if our one tip to you today is to keep the records, that'll be that'll be a good, good tip for you on."

Dan Suffoletto "So okay. So I've decided okay, I want to come in and get a vaccine for myself or I want to get vaccine for children. And I don't have that much time. And there's multiple ones I want to get. Is it okay to get two vaccinations at once?"

Wendy Owen Yes. It's both safe and common for a child to receive multiple vaccines at the same time. The child's immune system is robust and constantly learning from the millions of germs and substances they encounter on a daily basis. Vaccines are just a tiny fraction of that. The same applies to adults. We often see that you might need a tetanus shot and it's time for flu vaccine.

Wendy Owen Those those are perfectly okay to do together. A lot of it's been studied and safe to do so.

Dan Suffoletto "We talk about safety of vaccines, and there's a lot of, talk about that, nationally. And there's a lot of misinformation about that. On social media and a lot of other sources. And it can be confusing for people who are just casually following the news or just kind of generally aware, but don't have a specific medical background."

Dan Suffoletto "And, you know, maybe you're talking to your friends and they heard something and things are getting all jumbled up in your mind. So if people have questions when they come in, certainly that's something you can, help them with in terms of which vaccines are right, how they work, that type of thing."

Wendy Owen "Sure. So if you have questions or you're unsure about where the research, you, see if it's legitimate, a lot of times before a patient comes here, especially if it's a child, they've already spoken with their pediatrician. So of course, your pediatrician is a is a great place to start in the case that you maybe haven't been to your pediatrician recently, or you're an adult and you don't have a provider."

Wendy Owen "Our nurses are also happy to answer any of the questions you might have. Some of the trusted, places that we seek information outside of the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians. We have the Immunization Action Coalition. So we have a vast, offering of resources at our fingertips, and we can always find an answer."

Wendy Owen If you have a question.

Dan Suffoletto "Okay. So that's that's good to know. And certainly people can visit our website at FD, emc.org. We have a lot of great information there. Also if you follow us on social media at Public Health, DMC, places like Facebook, Instagram, x, we're always posting information there about all different health topics, but certainly vaccines are one of them."

Dan Suffoletto "So we give you a lot of good information there as it as it becomes available. Okay. So one of the things we do are vaccinations for children. And we know sometimes when parents are trying to get kids to do anything and let alone a vaccination, there can be some challenges associated with that. So let's talk about some things we can do to help parents make it easier for their children when they when they come in to get vaccinated."

Dan Suffoletto Sure.

Wendy Owen "So the most important thing is that you want to help your child see the experience as a positive. You can definitely avoid sharing previous experiences that might share your child. Maybe try to frame it in a more positive way and say, this is something that we're going to do to try to keep you healthy. Hear their concerns no matter what age they are."

Wendy Owen "Making them feel heard definitely relieve some of the anxiety and nervousness it's very common to feel anxious when you're not really sure what's going to happen, and people feel that all the way from, you know, a year of age all the way up to adulthood, of course. But it's important that we just want to, you know, discuss these things both with your children and then if they feel anxious still in the clinic to let the nurses know so that we can do the things we need to do."

Wendy Owen Here in the clinic to make them feel more comfortable.

Dan Suffoletto Okay. And are there any particular tips we have for parents can do maybe at home before they before they visit?

Wendy Owen "Before they visit, I think just, you know, having the conversation about about it, allowing them to feel prepared sometimes you can, bring along if they have a favorite stuffed animal or there's something in particular that you know would suit them or distract them, a book or a blanket would be, okay, we can work around all of that."

Dan Suffoletto "Okay. And and then things happen as, as you, you know, you make your appointment ahead of time, and then you realize the day of the appointment. Oh, I'm sick or my child's sick. What what should you do in that instance? Is it okay to still come in or should I stay home or what do you recommend on that."

Wendy Owen "So children can still get vaccines even with a fever or a mild illness? Their immune system can handle getting vaccines and fighting minor illnesses all at the same time. That will not getting a vaccine will not make your illnesses worse. Antibiotics will not affect your response to the vaccine. It doesn't change your body temperature other than, you know, sometimes you could get a low grade fever if you have a fever already."

Wendy Owen "Of course, you may be treating with Tylenol. So, you know, you just kind of have to use your judgment if you feel like your child is is not feeling well, and they may need to be seen at a hospital or something, of course we would advise that you go there first, but for something as mild as, you know, just, a little cough or cold that, you know, they can wear a mask when they come in."

Wendy Owen "That that's completely okay if if they have a chronic health condition that they're being followed by a provider or they have a weakened immune system or a severe allergic reaction to a component in the vaccine, of course, these are conversations that you'll want to have with both your provider and when you schedule the appointment, you can ask to be transferred back to me."

Wendy Owen And I can and I can go over those things with you before you come.

Dan Suffoletto And then once you're getting ready for the the vaccination itself and say you have a little one that's getting vaccinated and the parent has to hold that child as any recommended ways to hold that child while while the vaccinations are taking place.

Wendy Owen "Sure, absolutely. It depends on the age of the child. Smaller children a lot of times get vaccinated in the upper thigh. Older children, we can use their arm. So if it's an older child, obviously if it's a teenager, most of the time they will sit on their own and you can provide support, just by having a conversation."

Wendy Owen "If it's a smaller adolescent age child and they're still a little bit, nervous, you can definitely hold them in your lap. You just kind of, you know, embrace them with both arms and and just offer a little support. Because sometimes when you're nervous or you're scared, you're always, you know, you can't control your arms or your legs."

Wendy Owen "So we just not that we want to confine them or restrain them, but just kind of offer the gentle support and reminder not to not to flail or be scared. For babies, of course we can swaddle. Mothers can nurse while we're while we're vaccinating, if that helps. But you can hold them, you know, kind of in the commonly known term, like a football hold."

Wendy Owen "And, just kind of the nurses can work on holding their size secure. So we work together to do that. And we just communicate what feels most comfortable for the child. And if it's, something that bothers also the parent, we can always bring another nurse in and they can help us."

Dan Suffoletto "And, once the vaccinations complete, you're ready to check out, is there anything specific the parents need to do after the vaccination in terms of, helping the child of course."

Wendy Owen "So if you're if your child is small and they still cry when they when they get a booboo, of course we want you to take your time, hold and cuddle them. You can talk to them. We can we can allow you to nurse if you need to. You know, if it's a child, we can just talk through, you know, your arms going to be a little bit sore, and we can, you know, talk with the parent and let them know the things that they can do afterwards to, to support maybe the localized pain, take some Tylenol or do cool compresses."

Wendy Owen And then just we kind of go over all the things that you may notice particular to each vaccine afterwards.

Dan Suffoletto "Okay, great. We have some very good information here so far. But before we wrap it up, we'd be remiss if we didn't talk about vaccine safety and generally all of the benefits that vaccination provides. Not only you as an individual, your family, and the society as a whole. So what would you have to say to people if they were a little bit concerned about safety of vaccines?"

Wendy Owen "Sure. I think it's, a completely appropriate thing to discuss, given that we're seeing a lot of changes. The most important thing that we stick to, especially if you work in the medical field, is that you trust the science. And, we have, again, additional resources that we can we can lean into, aside from the CDC and the ACIp, again, we use the American Academy of Pediatrics and Family Physicians."

Wendy Owen "We don't just look at one particular agency to, to provide us guidance. So, navigating again is a very tricky thing. But, you know, ultimately, these vaccines have been studied both by themselves and in combination with other vaccines at the same time. And the safety is proven. We know that vaccines, greatly reduce or eliminate communicable diseases."

Wendy Owen "And so we just want the public to know that they're still, a safe and effective and important, as they always have been."

Dan Suffoletto "Okay, it sounds great. We've covered a lot of good information here for everybody. Again, you can visit our website at FD, emc.org for more information. Not only about vaccination, the clinic, but any service that we provide here at Public Health you can always give us a call. Also, our general phone number is 225937225 5700. We can answer any questions about public health."

Dan Suffoletto "And then if you do want to make an appointment with the clinic, you can call (937) 225-4550. And our team over at the clinic can get you an appointment to see Wendy and her team and take care of those vaccination needs. So, Wendy, thank you very much for joining us here today."

Wendy Owen Thank you for having me. And we hope to see you all soon.

Dan Suffoletto "Okay. This has been public health cares. And I was your host Dan Self, a little public information manager. Our guest today has been Wendy Allen, public health nurse supervisor in our public health clinic. For more information, visit our website at fd, emc.org. And until next time, stay healthy. Montgomery County."

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