Hep. B Vaccine at the hospital

Kelbelle28

I know when the baby is at the hospital they offer the first hep. B vaccine. My husband and I aren't really sure we wanna start immunizing that early and should maybe wait until 2 months. However we aren't really sure and wanted to get some information and feedback before we made a decision. what is everyone else's thoughts about this??

lissag24

I'm kind of a do what the doctor says kind of person, since there the ones with the knowledge on the matter its best to talk to them.  Express you concerns on having them vaccinated that early and is it necessary your doctor would be able to put your mind at ease better then anyone else.

sunny311

We didn't have either of our boys get the Hep B vacc in the hospital and our pedi was fine with that. In fact she didn't have her children get it in the hospital either.

sunny311

Also, just so that you know, they don't really "offer" it, the just give it. If you choose to delay it, you need to tell them that you do not want it. 

kris_kelsey

The reason it is offered in the first 12 hours of life is not so much to start the immunization process.  If given within 12 hours the vaccine can help protect the baby from developing Hep B should you have accidentally contracted the virus during your pregnancy.  I advise patient's who have high risk jobs or lives to consider it, but not so much for those who are not routinely exposed to blood, needles, sex with multiple partners.  I tell people to think about their own risk factors then make a decision that is best for their family. 

I get the first dose in 12 hours for my kiddos (cuz I am an L&D nurse exposed to all kinds of bodily fluids) but then I don't follow the rest of the vaccine schedule.

Althea5880

I'm kind of a "do my own research" kind of person. I have found that unless you yourself have Hep B or your newborn is having unprotected sex and/or sharing needles, there is no need for the Hep B vaccine. Either way, definitely share your concerns with your doctor, and do your research! GL!

vermont7

We didn't give it to LO in the hospital and are still waiting to give to her (she is 2). We decided it wasn't really something she needed right now, especially at birth. My husband and I weren't vaccinated for it until middle school/high school. Our pedi was fine with it. 

The only other vaccines we skipped were:

the last dose of rotavirus because there was contamination with a pig virus and it freaked me out

Hepatits A - we aren't vaccinated for this, why vaccinate her? If we traveled to another country where it was more prevalent, we would consider it. 

Influenza - I will probably give to her in the fall for the first time since we'll have a newborn, but she hasn't had it yet 

eiramami

As others have said, most people do not need to get the Hep B vaccination. Personally we're going to be holding off on all vaccinations until six months.

salt78

It was actually suggested by our pedi that we skip the Hep B vaccine in the hospital. She will get it later. We aren't putting off vaccines for too long though because she's going to be going to daycare at 6 weeks.

Kristinmo

salt78:

It was actually suggested by our pedi that we skip the Hep B vaccine in the hospital.

This.  We will start Hep B at 2 months.

ETA: And I am a BIG believer in vaccinating on time but I see little risk in this one modification since I know I don't have it

katcarls

We waited until 2 months with DS and we'll do the same with this baby. 

tiffapotomus

I usually tell people to ask their nurse/doctor if they have done the same for their children, until one of the doctors I work with said "Giving advice on what someone should do concerning vaccines is like gambling with someone elses money."

 Since then I just tell people (that ask me) to do their due diligence and make an informed decision on their own.

RaeJ004

DH and I have decided not to get it done at the hospital.

I would talk to your pedi about it and do some research also.  The Natural Birth board is also a good resource.

greeneyed_bride

I asked our pediatrician why they do that one in the hospital, and she basically said that cases of hepatitis B are on the rise and that it can be really harmful to a baby if you have it and pass it on to them. She said it's especially important for women who haven't received adequate prenatal care (and therefore haven't had blood tests for STDs) and women who aren't in monogamous relationships. But she said that if you've received adequate prenatal care, are in a monogamous relationship, and know you don't have hep B, there's really no reason your baby needs it in the hospital. We are planning to wait until our first ped visit to get that vaccine, and she's totally fine with it.  

FroggyFarts

We're going to opt out of it initially. I've read about the vaccine on the CDC's website and feel comfortable waiting since I'm negative for Hep B, in a monogamous relationship, and my infant won't be having sex or shooting up drugs (sharing needles).

The vaccine apparently works for 20 years per the CDC so I'll be talking with my pedi about potentially vaccinating at an older age (closer to 12) so that my child has 20 year protection during the most likely sexual years.

KKWISC

I have an autoimmune disorder and did alot of research before DS 1 to not increase his likelihood of autoimmune disorders, anymore than what my genes were exposing him too. We opted out of Hep B for him and will for this one too. 

I read this book and liked it. I have a biology degree and am very pro vaccine, but wanted to do what was best for my baby. 

https://www.amazon.com/What-Doctor-About-Childrens-Vaccinations/dp/B0058M5KI2/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328295640&sr=1-1-fkmr0 

natalie_wn@yahoo.com

It's so interesting to compare countries! In Ontario, Hep B isn't really even an option at birth, but rather, kids get it in the 7th grade - three doses - optional, of course, but highly recommended. For babies, they only give the immunization of the mother has Hep B.

BelleWithABlade

Just wanted to add that even if you know you as the parent do not have Hep B, it is one of the viruses that can be transmitted from transfusions.  If your child heaven forbid requires blood transfusions for any reason he/she could be one of the rare, unfortunate souls who gets hep B from a transfusion.  Hep B is no joke and leads to liver cancer and cirrhosis.  It is a safe vaccine with low reported side effects.  Also, it takes awhile to develop immunity with multiple boosters so in my mind the sooner my child is protected the better.   Although it is a low risk, I'd rather my child be protected against it.

monkeyqueen

natalie_wn@yahoo.com:

It's so interesting to compare countries! In Ontario, Hep B isn't really even an option at birth, but rather, kids get it in the 7th grade - three doses - optional, of course, but highly recommended. For babies, they only give the immunization of the mother has Hep B.

This, except in my Province it's given in Grade 6 (around 12 years old).