Tdap vaccine for mom (and dad)

smlowe9311

Let's spark some conversation ladies. Will you be getting the Tdap (whooping cough) vaccine prior to baby's arrival? Why or why not? Will you ask any others that will spend significant time around lo to do so?

LiveNLove44

I got it and DH will if he is up for one, too. I got it with DD and didn't hesitate. Considering the time of year into which our LOs will be born, I'm already concerned about the wide variety of germs that can be devastating to their developing immune systems. DD was born at the end of August and went through some challenging illnesses mid-winter; had she been any younger, she would have been hospitalized without a question. To me, removing this threat to the best of my ability is worth it. I believe my immediate family all had the shots when DD was born (of their own deciding). I would never tell people they cannot be around my child if they didn't receive the TDAP shot. I will not hesitate, however, to deny people access if they are clearly ill or if they've been in close contact with people who have significant, contagious illnesses (through spring). 

shannond21228

Our twins we're preemies in the NICU so we did not hesitate to get it. We were staying at my parents house during that time and my siblings are school age. It was my moms decision for the kids to get it but everyone agreed since we were all in the same house it was safest for everyone to get it. We will be getting it again this time around especially since we'll be going into the winter months.

alinic916

Mine is up to date and I'm pretty sure my husbands is as well. My doctor recommended getting the flu shot when it becomes available in September to be able to give baby my immunity. Will do everything I can to prevent my baby from getting sick.

candicequeen

We will all get it again as we did when my son was born. Better safe than sorry right! We were able to pay for them last time from our HSA account!

naka92

I had to get mine when I applied for my visa to get into the states, so I'm up to date DH will be getting his, though he's still unaware of that as he doesnt like needles. I'll spring that on him while we're at the doctors office so he cant run   )

cgummie

DH got his a few weeks ago and I'll be getting mine around 32 weeks, according to my OB. DH had the side effects when he got his and let's be real, they sucked, but it's still very worth it. It's basically what I would call "normal" sick feeling- nausea, headache, short of breath, injection site swelling and tenderness.

VallieS86

I'm not due for mine until 2018, and the one in 2008 was a tdap, but my doctor recommended getting it at 32 weeks so the baby gets some of it too, so I agreed. I'm also going to do the flu shot when it becomes available in the fall as that was also recommended to me that I get tit done. I've also bothered immediate family members (grandparents, parents and siblings) to make sure they are up to date with their tdap shot. I'm going to be the lady in the pampers commercials as the first time mom. Lol

babyynumbertwo2015

Got it with my daughter in 2013, as did my husband, our siblings, and our parents! Basically anyone who wanted to see the baby in the first few months of life I asked to get it! I will be getting it again this pregnancy, even though I am still considered up to date, by getting it during my pregnancy my baby will get some of the immunity from the vaccine.

Sbrouwer0706

Definitely getting the vaccine and so is DH. I know passing my antibodies on to baby is important and I haven't had the tdap in a long time. 

JaqiDec04

Whooping cough was really bad when DD was born. All three of us received our updated vaccine.

So did the grandparents, since they spent so much time with her, plus both my folks work at a school.

sweet+cheeks

Absolutely! We both got the booster before DD was born. I draw the line at telling others they have to vaccinate themselves. I did mention it to my parents to let them know it was an option but certainly not a requirement!

lanaloulittle

I will be getting it, as well as hubby. My parents will be getting it because of baby and my mom works in a hospital so she is always up to date on all her immunizations. I have requested my sister get hers since I spend a lot of time at her house and babysit her children. She had an October baby so she understands. Also, there have been a few breakouts of whopping cough in different areas this year, one in my state (Oregon).

dchiapella

Yes, I will and my husband will too...not that he knows that yet, haha. October baby in New England so I'd like to avoid unnecessary germs. Especially since every year around that time the schools send out alert letters about whooping cough and I'm around kids constantly. It's just not worth the risk! 

I also learned from my last mistake which was not listening to my OB when she recommended a flu shot (psh... flu in april-- meh) and came down with the flu less than a week later, haha! I think I may just need a booster though, since my Goddaughter was high risk and I had to get one before she was born last year. But regardless I'll be asking about it  

devonsd315

I asked my doctor about this last visit and it was already her policy that she gives it to her patients at their 28 week appointments. According to the CDC, pregnant women should get a booster every pregnancy: 

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/tdap.pdf

My husband was all up to date on his. My parents already have small grandchildren they are around a lot so they are up to date. We asked DH's parents and they were up to date as well. I would not let someone be around my baby long term (ie stay with us for a few days like the grandparents are) if they were not up to date on their booster. My friends who are just visiting for an hour or so, I'll just ask that they wash their hands and not visit if they are sick.

SweetnSassy23

Question-- DH got his in 2013 with our first LO. Would he need a booster or is he still covered?  I will be getting it regardless to pass the antibodies.

devonsd315

@SweetnSassy23 My husband got it last year and the doctor said he was fine, so I would assume yours is as well. I think it's good for 10 years. I think only moms are supposed to get it every pregnancy to pass on the antibodies, like you said.

Krysta6

I got mine less than two years ago and my OB said since I wasn't pregnant I won't need a booster. But now I'm wondering if I need it so the baby gets it too??

SweetnSassy23

@Krysta6 Yes, you need it with each pregnancy. There is a PPer who provided with a link to CDC guidelines.

alinic916

@devonsd315 thanks for the info, didn't realize I would need it again but will definitely make sure I get it while pregnant.

FrozenMommy

Yes, and I made all my close relatives get them too. You want to be around my babes, you get a shot! Going to influence flu shots this year too, since my oldest is starting K...(tears) As far as getting a new shot each pregnancy, no one has said a thing? I thought it was every 7 years? Guess I will need to ask at next check up.

CaitLewis15

Yes! I think DH is up to date with his, but I will be getting mine at my next appointment. We are hosting a wedding at our house in November, and baby will only be 6 weeks old at best when she is suddenly inundated with new people and germs. I will be doing everything in my power to minimize any more risk to her

amberrmariee20

Isn't that the tetanus shot ? If so isn't it good for 7-10 years ?

amberrmariee20

SweetnSassy23 said:

@Krysta6 Yes, you need it with each pregnancy. There is a PPer who provided with a link to CDC guidelines.

My drs never mentioned having to get any vaccines during pregnancy. I never had any with my last pregnancy and my Dr now never mentioned any ! Strange !

SweetnSassy23

amberrmariee20 said:

Isn't that the tetanus shot ? If so isn't it good for 7-10 years ?

It depends on what you get. There is a booster and that is only good for 5 years.

leighann1

@ambermariee20, the TDAP includes protection from tetanus but also pertussis (whooping cough) and diptheria. Here's some info: 

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/tdap.html 

devonsd315

Tdap has tetanus in it, but the reason they recommend it for pregnant women is the pertussis (whooping cough) part. Unfortunately there is no stand alone pertussis vaccine

alinic916

@amberrmariee20 yes, it is tetanus, diptheria and pertussis.  I just went to my appt this morning and was told I can get it at my next appt.  I received one in 2010 and they are usually good for 10 years, but it is recommended for all pregnant women to get it in order to pass immunity to the baby.  If your significant other has had it in the last 10 years he would be up to date though.

amberrmariee20

aprosch said:

@amberrmariee20 yes, it is tetanus, diptheria and pertussis.  I just went to my appt this morning and was told I can get it at my next appt.  I received one in 2010 and they are usually good for 10 years, but it is recommended for all pregnant women to get it in order to pass immunity to the baby.  If your significant other has had it in the last 10 years he would be up to date though.

Wow so I should of have one my last pregnancy and my doctor never even mentioned it !
I know right now I'm not immune to rubella and measles and my Dr said she would vaccinate me after the baby is born ! I had one back in 2007 so it's been 8 years so about time for a new one anyways !

amberrmariee20

leighann1 said:

@ambermariee20, the TDAP includes protection from tetanus but also pertussis (whooping cough) and diptheria. Here's some info: 

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/tdap.html 

Is the link wrong ? It's coming up page not found ?

devonsd315

this one worked for me: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/tdap.pdf

alinic916

https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/pregnant/

Maybe this link works better?

leighann1

Weird. Does this one work?

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/tdap.html

devonsd315

@leighann1 your second one works even though it is the exact same url as the first one you posted, that didn't work. Strange.

MamaOwl15

I plan to, it's just a matter of figuring out where to go sour won't cost a lot. My insurance won't cover it if I get it at my OB's office, which would make it $85. Anyone use Walgreens or CVS minute clinic for this vaccine?

Fortunately, DS has had his Tdap and I'm pretty sure my husband has had one in the last 10 years, but if he hadn't he can.

tate62610

Hubs and I are up to date. Baby's grandparents will be getting the shot if they are going to be spending time over here after the birth.

JaqiDec04

MamaOwl15 said:

I plan to, it's just a matter of figuring out where to go sour won't cost a lot. My insurance won't cover it if I get it at my OB's office, which would make it $85. Anyone use Walgreens or CVS minute clinic for this vaccine? Fortunately, DS has had his Tdap and I'm pretty sure my husband has had one in the last 10 years, but if he hadn't he can.

That seems excessively high. I'm paying cash for all DD's vaccines, and they are $8 each.

I'd check your local pharmacy.

leighann1

BrooklynBroussard said:

Thanks ladies for demonstrating how a vaccination thread should go. Nobody throwing a fit, lots of science, and incredibly encouraging. 

It really helps to have a specific question and a lack of defensiveness on the part of the poster, doesn't it? 

twogirlsandagreen

MamaOwl15 said:

I plan to, it's just a matter of figuring out where to go sour won't cost a lot. My insurance won't cover it if I get it at my OB's office, which would make it $85. Anyone use Walgreens or CVS minute clinic for this vaccine?

Fortunately, DS has had his Tdap and I'm pretty sure my husband has had one in the last 10 years, but if he hadn't he can.

@MamaOwl15 ask your child's pediatrician. They vaccinated both my husband and me for free - that is how strongly they feel about parents getting vaccinated against whooping cough. But if not then yes check with minute clinic, or other pharmacies that vaccinate (Target maybe?)

amberrmariee20

JaqiDec04 said:

MamaOwl15 said:

I plan to, it's just a matter of figuring out where to go sour won't cost a lot. My insurance won't cover it if I get it at my OB's office, which would make it $85. Anyone use Walgreens or CVS minute clinic for this vaccine?

Fortunately, DS has had his Tdap and I'm pretty sure my husband has had one in the last 10 years, but if he hadn't he can.

That seems excessively high. I'm paying cash for all DD's vaccines, and they are $8 each.

I'd check your local pharmacy.

So glad we get all ours for free ! Couldn't imagine paying $85 per shot !!!!

saraking437

Ohhhh maaaan! I'm glad you guys are posting about this. I have not even thought about getting myself vaccinated. I know when LO gets here she will get vaccinated, but I've forgotten about myself and my husband. We will definitely get both the tdap and flu vaccines this fall. 

I've only gotten the flu shot one time, and it was also the only year that I got the flu! I know they say that it doesn't give you the flu, and I completely get that. However, when the only time you've had the flu is the year you got the shot, it makes you REALLY nervous. I can't imagine having the flu and being nine months pregnant or having a newborn. I'm sure its just coincidence, but we all base our feelings mostly on our personal experiences. Ugh...super worried now.