My baby is now 6 weeks old (33 weeks corrected), and now is the start of RSV season as you all know. Are your babies qualified for synagis? Anyone not getting it for there little ones? The doc was gonna give it to Cameron yesterday, without even talking to me about it first, but I stopped him and said I was still doing research on it and that I'd get back to him.
I think we've decided to go ahead and get it. Have you guys got it yet? What was your experience?
newtwinmom
11-03-2010, 08:15 AM
My 27 week twins born 10-4 will get it. I have seen preemies and former preemies get very very very sick secondary to RSV and would never forgive myself if something happened to my boys. Since the shots are not formulated like traditional vacs (it is more of an antibody and is preservative free), I am less hesitant to give it.
DommysMommy
11-03-2010, 09:19 AM
That's why I'm not so hesitant either. I was just perturbed at the doc for not even asking me. They don't do the shots at my ped's office, so I have to figure out where we'll have to go every month.
Congrats on your twins. Why were they so early?
irelandclover
11-03-2010, 12:47 PM
My son does not qualify by the "standard" but our pedi is pushing it through because he is failure to thrive and we haven't been able to rule out the cause yet. My niece was in the hospital for a very long time last year due to RSV and pneumonia, so we will give be giving him the shot once we get formal approval.
3rockstars
11-03-2010, 05:27 PM
We didn't vaccinate until after age 2 for both preemies but the youngest qualified for and got Synagis. My middle daughter was a 34weeker who got RSV at 39w GA and ended up hospitalized and incurring lung damage. She was very very very sick. I would not hesitate to do synagis if my child qualified.
SativaStarr
11-04-2010, 09:58 AM
We're a non vaxing family, however Synagis is one we DO give. My 32 weeker (now 2) got it for 2 seasons (this is his first season without it). My 31 weeker (now 9 weeks) just got his first dose 10/29 just before he was discharged from NICU.
howmanykids
11-04-2010, 10:27 AM
i just got approval from insurance, so my 34 weeker will be getting it!!
Chrijodo
11-04-2010, 07:00 PM
My 2 year old qualified because of his heart and got it for 2 seasons. My girls were 34 weekers and they have had 2 doses thus far and will get it for at least this season. If your child qualifies, I would definitely get it, beats the alternative by far
shortcake2386
11-04-2010, 07:12 PM
this is the only shot we consider. my niece(34 weeks) was sick for her first 4 winters(she is six now) with RSV. my oldest(35 weeks) was sick her first 3 winters(she caught it at the dr at 12 weeks actual age). ds was 36 weeks and is 5.5 months now but only 11lbs and the ped(who is antivax btw) is recommending her get it next month at his 6 month visit.
Whimsy Twist
11-05-2010, 07:11 AM
My 27 week twins born 10-4 will get it. I have seen preemies and former preemies get very very very sick secondary to RSV and would never forgive myself if something happened to my boys. Since the shots are not formulated like traditional vacs (it is more of an antibody and is preservative free), I am less hesitant to give it.
This!
That's why I'm not so hesitant either. I was just perturbed at the doc for not even asking me. They don't do the shots at my ped's office, so I have to figure out where we'll have to go every month.
Congrats on your twins. Why were they so early?
I was also perturbed at all the things the NICU PRESUMED was ok to do with my kids without asking... sugar water, dressing them for their first time without me there, giving their first baths without us there, just about giving formula against our directions. Frustrating for sure- and giving a vaccine would set me off (even if it was a vaccine I wanted them to have!).
newtwinmom
11-05-2010, 09:23 AM
That's why I'm not so hesitant either. I was just perturbed at the doc for not even asking me. They don't do the shots at my ped's office, so I have to figure out where we'll have to go every month.
Congrats on your twins. Why were they so early?
We require parental consent as with any vac so no way a baby would receive it without the parents being okay with it.
As for where to get the shots, check with the local hossys, especially any children's hossys. My hossy does monthly 'clinics' where the shot is available.
My twins were early thanks to unstoppable PTL. I contracted regularly (2-4/hr) since 18 weeks. My cervix held out until an abrupt shortening at the end of my 26th week. I was admitted,spent some time on mag, and then transfered to antepartum on long term meds for the PTL. They obviously didn't work as I progressed preciptously the morning I delivered and ended up 8cm before anybody noticed. They were born 30 minutes later by CS. One is doing well and the other not so well, but we are hopeful at least one will be home by Christmas! :pray:
SevenFinns
11-05-2010, 09:40 AM
My 2 mo. old just got his first Synagis shot yesterday. We didn't even consider not getting it. He has to have surgery in a month for his heart, and the last thing we want to do is further risk his life if a vaccine can help. We feel this way about all of the vaccines we get for our children, and we especially need to protect this little one. He will have enough to recover from; we don't want to add RSV to the list.
DommysMommy
11-06-2010, 01:27 PM
We require parental consent as with any vac so no way a baby would receive it without the parents being okay with it.
As for where to get the shots, check with the local hossys, especially any children's hossys. My hossy does monthly 'clinics' where the shot is available.
My twins were early thanks to unstoppable PTL. I contracted regularly (2-4/hr) since 18 weeks. My cervix held out until an abrupt shortening at the end of my 26th week. I was admitted,spent some time on mag, and then transfered to antepartum on long term meds for the PTL. They obviously didn't work as I progressed preciptously the morning I delivered and ended up 8cm before anybody noticed. They were born 30 minutes later by CS. One is doing well and the other not so well, but we are hopeful at least one will be home by Christmas! :pray:
My NICU does NOT require parental consent with synagis. It's considered "basic care" which we consented to from day one.
newtwinmom
11-06-2010, 07:07 PM
My NICU does NOT require parental consent with synagis. It's considered "basic care" which we consented to from day one.
That is CRAZY! Makes me wonder what else they consider 'basic care'? :headscratch:
Little Miss Kate
11-10-2010, 02:32 PM
DS got his first shot yesterday. Better safe then sorry. I do not want to end up back at the hospital with him!
nicumama
11-10-2010, 09:06 PM
My 32 weeker (now 2years old) had the Synagis shots her first year. I was sent a letter from the NICU where she was born detailing RSV and the Synagis shots. Her Paed was able to get it in his office and she got it there. She didnt seem to have any after effects from the shots. My feeling, better safe than sorry especially with RSV and preemies!
kristinc
11-16-2010, 08:38 PM
my quads started coming home from the nicu at the start of flu season last year. the pedi ordered the synagis and i debated long and hard about it. our insurance only covered 2 months worth and then we would have to cover jan-april. to the tune of $14,000:eek: in the end we gave them 1 months worth and then i decided against any more. we decided that since their risk was low (no other children, very few contact with outside people) that we would just continue to be extremely diligent with hand washing and besides our parents we didn't have anyone coming in contact with the babies. We were extremely lucky...none of them got any respiratory illnesses...thank goodness. I have heard many horror stories and RSV:nervous:
ransom
12-02-2010, 12:10 PM
i'm really thankful for the synagis shot (my 31 weeker just got his second shot today-- and today is his actual due date! YAY!). i am hesitant about any shots, but RSV is really common and really serious in preemies. i don't feel like such a nervous wreck having my family over to see the baby now! =)
shortcake2386
12-02-2010, 02:53 PM
kai "not premature enough" by 3 days:( guess we will be hibernating for the winter
Leighjean
12-04-2010, 08:01 PM
My son does not qualify by the "standard" but our pedi is pushing it through because he is failure to thrive and we haven't been able to rule out the cause yet. My niece was in the hospital for a very long time last year due to RSV and pneumonia, so we will give be giving him the shot once we get formal approval.
We were denied as well. Our pulmonologist recommended a low dose steroid through a chamber 2x a day to help keep his airway open in the event of any respiratory illness. My son had tracheamalasia and is showing signs of RAD
( reactive airway disease). He used the nebulizer A LOT last winter! We are hoping to be one step ahead with this treatment. The Dr said that here in NJ he sees preemies hospitalized with, or without Synagis. My son is 15 months (13 months corrected)
How did they diagnose failure to thrive? My son is gaining slowly! He is 16.5 lbs. Not on the charts yet.
Leighjean
12-04-2010, 08:01 PM
My son does not qualify by the "standard" but our pedi is pushing it through because he is failure to thrive and we haven't been able to rule out the cause yet. My niece was in the hospital for a very long time last year due to RSV and pneumonia, so we will give be giving him the shot once we get formal approval.
We were denied as well. Our pulmonologist recommended a low dose steroid through a chamber 2x a day to help keep his airway open in the event of any respiratory illness. My son had tracheamalasia and is showing signs of RAD
( reactive airway disease). He used the nebulizer A LOT last winter! We are hoping to be one step ahead with this treatment. The Dr said that here in NJ he sees preemies hospitalized with, or without Synagis. My son is 15 months (13 months corrected)
How did they diagnose failure to thrive? My son is gaining slowly! He is 16.5 lbs. Not on the charts yet.
Leighjean
12-04-2010, 08:16 PM
My 32 weeker (now 2years old) had the Synagis shots her first year. I was sent a letter from the NICU where she was born detailing RSV and the Synagis shots. Her Paed was able to get it in his office and she got it there. She didnt seem to have any after effects from the shots. My feeling, better safe than sorry especially with RSV and preemies!
We didn't vaccinate until after age 2 for both preemies but the youngest qualified for and got Synagis. My middle daughter was a 34weeker who got RSV at 39w GA and ended up hospitalized and incurring lung damage. She was very very very sick. I would not hesitate to do synagis if my child qualified.
Was there a specific reason you waited until after age 2 to vax? DS is 15 months (13 months corrected). I have heard mixed information regarding preemies and the regular vax schedule. I've debated waiting until after 2.
Lauren
Mom to DD 17, DS 9, DS 7, DS 5
And our miracle 32 weeker DS 1 year :thumbsup:
Homeschooling, CDing, Babywearing, Co-sleeping, crunchy, BLW, Jesus loving mommy!
MyFourStars
12-05-2010, 07:21 AM
My third preemie was the only one who qualified for the shots, but my older two preemies got it two seasons in a row each, and both requiring hospitalization. It's an awful awful illness and one that's extremely common. It sends full term babies to the hospital. I'm praying that my newest babe doesn't catch it.
shortcake2386
12-05-2010, 09:37 AM
My third preemie was the only one who qualified for the shots, but my older two preemies got it two seasons in a row each, and both requiring hospitalization. It's an awful awful illness and one that's extremely common. It sends full term babies to the hospital. I'm praying that my newest babe doesn't catch it.
:hide: im so scared of kai getting rsv:hide: my 3 week old niece was tested for it friday and she was 41 weeks. kai is still soooo little (iugr) and im pissed off that he doesnt get the vax.
stephanieco
12-05-2010, 08:55 PM
My youngest was born at 27 weeks and she will be getting her third dosage this month. I didn't even think twice about it.
momnb4
12-06-2010, 05:54 AM
My DS who just turned two had the vaccine for his first winter.He was born at 34 weeks and weighed 3 14.He still ended up getting rsv and was hospitalized when he was 3 months old but recovered quickly so Iam glad we got the vaccine.
Kissed by the Moon
12-10-2010, 10:47 PM
Yes, we did last year and will do it once a month at least through February.
Crystalftw
12-10-2010, 11:07 PM
Please, please do your research. I know it's hard to find negative things on synagis but it *is* there. Additionally, if you research it further you will see what the studies conclude about the effectiveness.
DommysMommy
12-11-2010, 05:58 PM
Please, please do your research. I know it's hard to find negative things on synagis but it *is* there. Additionally, if you research it further you will see what the studies conclude about the effectiveness.
Can you point me in the right direction?
AnnaG01
12-11-2010, 08:51 PM
Please, please do your research. I know it's hard to find negative things on synagis but it *is* there. Additionally, if you research it further you will see what the studies conclude about the effectiveness.
Can you point me in the right direction?
Ditto! I am 26 week pregnant and most likely going to have my 3rd preemie soon and I am undecided since she'll most likely be born in January-February. My other 2 preemies were born at 33 weeks and my pediatrician acted like it was no big deal and since we don't vax I didn't consider it at the time, 1 has had RSV one has not. I am thinking this one might be earlier than the 33 weekers though and need to start looking into it.
azmama24
12-11-2010, 08:57 PM
My 33 weeker will get his 2nd dose on Monday. My 3 year old got RSV and was horribly sick and has lung damage from it also, so I made sure to get my DS his synagis on time.
azmama24
12-11-2010, 08:59 PM
I was also perturbed at all the things the NICU PRESUMED was ok to do with my kids without asking... sugar water, dressing them for their first time without me there, giving their first baths without us there, just about giving formula against our directions. Frustrating for sure- and giving a vaccine would set me off (even if it was a vaccine I wanted them to have!).
I totally agree! They drove me nuts in the NICU. I didnt get to do any of the firsts with my DS. They did it all and acted like it was no big deal! I went home and cried my eyes out many times.
I am now in school to be an RN and i'm going to specialize in NICU so I can change that for at least the babies I care for.
shortcake2386
12-11-2010, 09:01 PM
anna-mackenzie had rsv at 12 weeks and it was AWFUL. she has also had it every year since:( i havent read up on the side effects(bc kai doesnt qualify) but i know it cna cause asthma and such, BUT my niece that had RSV(no vax) has asthma so that risk of lung damage is there either way. if there was a chance that it could prevent my child from getting rsv and the benefits outweighed the risks id do it. especially since you have kids in school look into it. im anti-vax and that is the only one i would have even considered for kai at this point.
shortcake2386
12-11-2010, 09:03 PM
I totally agree! They drove me nuts in the NICU. I didnt get to do any of the firsts with my DS. They did it all and acted like it was no big deal! I went home and cried my eyes out many times.
I am now in school to be an RN and i'm going to specialize in NICU so I can change that for at least the babies I care for.
its not just the NICU. my 3 week old niece was born at home then taken to the hospital to be checked and i had to literally block the nurse from giving her the vit. k shot. my sis was across the room and they didnt even bother to ask. just pulled out the syringe and prepped it. i shoved my hand over the baby and said, "what the heck is that." then proceeded to explain that we didnt give consent for any shots:banghead:
luvsviola
12-12-2010, 11:42 AM
We were denied too. DFS was FTT, G tube, and had H1N1, and he STILL didn't get it. He was a 34 weeker.
He got RSV at 9 months old (Jan. 2009) and spent 8 days at the children's hospital with it. It was horrible. I would love to go back and let the Medicaid staff know what their denial did. Now, DFS has severe asthma, and at one point was on a neb 6 times a day last summer (4 albuterol and 2 pulmicort) plus prednisone to get it cleared up. He coughed til he vomitted. He still is on pulmicort daily, and albuterol as needed, plus a rescue inhaler.
As far as the effectiveness I can only find things saying it is pretty effective.
http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/14278e.htm
But I know there are a lot of preemie deaths as a result of RSV too...I wish I had a magic answer. I have had two 33 week babies and both have had RSV and double pneumonia and it was horrible they neither one had the shots because one of them was born April 1st at the end of RSV season and the other was born August 4th and would be 5+ months old during RSV season, the pedi never pushed it but this time I am expecting a Jan-Feb baby...I have a feeling I need to at least seriously look in to it :(
I wish I had a magic answer...I guess I am finding some bad and good things I have to see if the benefits outweigh the risk now. Boo!
shortcake2386
12-15-2010, 04:34 PM
i wonder how many of those babies had other health issues? i would NEVER vax a baby who couldnt even be safely discharged but they do:( i wonder if there was another issue that made the vax react that way:headscratch:
but yes its a tough decision. if kai was a dec/jan/feb baby i would probably not vax, just hibernate. but since he is 7 months, if he had qualified i would have done it bc he has no other health issues.
mama2emalee
12-30-2010, 09:07 PM
my daughter was born at 32.5 weeks and our insurance DENIED it for my daughter! she would've gotten it at her 6 month appt in october. we've been lucky and she hasnt been sick at all, except now she's got a runny stuffy nose but i think its teething related.
batsilvermoon
02-05-2013, 08:12 AM
my son got it for his first 3 years... I like you was concerned at first but but my concerns were quickly thrown away when the benefits out weighed risks... he never got rsv and I am greatly thankfull to the med... my 36 weeker ended up getting rsv n spent time in the hospital it was not fun n very scary...
NYMommy04
02-24-2013, 03:16 PM
We got them before we left the hospital. Both years.. dd got 7 rounds last year, ds has had 4 rounds so far. We actually came in contact with a baby that had rsv, not knowingly, and we didn't get it!!! I was disappointed dd didn't qualify for them this year
amb2j
05-06-2013, 12:31 PM
DS was a full term healthy baby who got RSV at 6 months old (I didnt even know about RSV then) and ever since has had terrible episodes of wheezing when he gets a cold. He was on a nebulizer essentially from last September until January when I pulled him out of daycare in preparation for the birth of DD (didnt want him sick and getting her sick).
DD was born with undiagnosed heart issues that required surgery at 1 week old. She is now a healthy 12lb 10 weeker needing no meds or restrictions. She qualified for Synagis and has gotten her first round and will get her monthly shot all next winter. Now, both kids will be at home (no daycare germs) so hopefully between that, and Synagis next winter will be different! All that to say, I fully support Synagis!
