Feeling forced to vaccinate

[lil_filly]

I am heading to visit my parents and there is a large whooping cough outbreak where they live. I did not plan on getting my 5 month old vaccinated yet...as my DH and I have not made a decision on where We stand. My parents had both their shots a couple days ago and keep pressuring me to get LO's done. I also don't want to feel bound to the house for fear of her catching it. I'm feeling like I have no choice in the matter.

WWYD?

[foggierbard9]

I was told by our Ped that the whooping cough vaccine isn't "good" until the child has all the boosters. My OB gave me an updated Tetanus/Pertussis/whatever it was(my booster) and that was that...our kids are delayed vaccinated...and DD was only 6 weeks when I got my booster to protect her.

[linzbear]

PP is right. One shot of DTaP will not make your DD immune, or really anywhere near immune. After 4 shots it is 80% effective.

[qsefthuko]

I would probably delay the visit until the out break is over. My ds1 had the whooping cough when he was 3-5 months old. The doctors didn't diagnose him because they were all convinced no One could get it. He also didn't have any coughing fits while in the ER or doctors office so that didn't help. Listening to and watching the videos of other babies it could have been mine. It isn't fun. He would stop breathing and turn bluish around his mouth. Following the coughing fit he would vomit. He had this around 12 times a day. For around 6-8 weeks I slept on the recliner with him because I was afraid if I laid him down to sleep he would suffocate on his vomit and breathing was harder for him. I am not saying to vaccinate or not to vaccinate. With our ds2 we still chose to wait to vaccinate. We are just more cautious than we previously were. I to read that the first vaccines do not protect 100% so regardless of what vaccination choice you make I would still wait to visit.

[Connor]

I agree with PPs. So even if you ran out and got her a shot she still wouldn't be protected.

[calapitters]

Pertussis is very serious for children under the age of 2 and very young infants are among the most susceptible to the disease. One dosage of dTap may possibly help to build up her immune system, but it would take the whole series of shots over time to give her actual immunity. It may be best to postpone your visit until the outbreak is over or see is your parents can come to you.

[sasra_nu]

If I were you, I'd probably go get a booster for yourself and your DH, since you know there is an outbreak.

[ulawolf]

Personally i wouldn't go. Even if you get the booster it isnt going to keep lo protected if someone brings it into the home or when your lo comes into contact with someone while your out.

I guess because i have had very a friends who son got this at 6 months and he was in the hospital for weeks and in icu i would personally not take the chance.

[z2akids]

Originally Posted by calapitters Pertussis is very serious for children under the age of 2 and very young infants are among the most susceptible to the disease. One dosage of dTap may possibly help to build up her immune system, but it would take the whole series of shots over time to give her actual immunity. It may be best to postpone your visit until the outbreak is over or see is your parents can come to you.

This.

It is difficult to know how much protection your LO would have from just receiving the first in the vax series. Now, that being said, some children will gain significant immunity following just one dose of the vaccine. I would probably get myself and my DH a booster if you haven't been keeping up yourselves and I would seriously consider postponing my visit.

Your LO is young enough to have significant risk from pertussis.

[luvsviola]

I would definitely delay the visit. As a parent of a child with respiratory issues caused by RSV...it just isn't worth it to risk a serious respiratory infection doing permanent damage. Watching your child go on oxygen, and having oxygen tanks in your home is scary.

There is a measles outbreak here, and our ped has told us to keep DD2 home. She hasn't had her measles shot yet (not a year old yet) and we are keeping her out of the public for at least 2 more weeks til the risk fades.