Preemies
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Visitors and Vaccines
Before Gabe was born we'd decided we would request our parents and siblings who planned on visiting get their pertussis vaccine (they've all already had theirs done. Thankfully they took no issue with it and were happy to get the shot or check on their vaccine record). Now that we have a preemie, I am unsure of how to handle this issue if people come to visit our home. I really don't plan on letting anyone hold him. I am leaning towards just having hand washing and non-handling rules with him when he gets home. But, I wanted to see what you ladies thought. Do you think I should be requesting people check on their pertussis vaccines too?
Born at 31w3d due to severe IUGR & Placental Insufficiency--2lbs 3ounces
We'll miss you sweet Debbie Girl (4.21.12) and sweet Cindy Girl (8.9.12)
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Re: Visitors and Vaccines
(ie temporary visitors).
BFP #3 via cancelled IUI ~ C (2lb 3oz; HELLP) 5/16/11
BFP #4 via the natural (free!) way ~ E (8lb 11oz) 9/13/12
When DD (our preemie) was born, the pertussis campaign really hadn't gotten into full swing. When our DS was born (full term) last November we did send an email out about the vaccine and requested our family make sure they were up to date.
My parents, our siblings, etc all got the vaccine. My husband's parents were too old (if you are over a 65 they don't recommend it) so we had to make a decision. I wasn't happy, but they TRIED to get the vaccine and were denied. Same with my own grandparents.
At the end of the day, we did hand washing and told them that if they had even the slightest tickle in their throat they couldn't come over (and I know that pertussis symptoms aren't necessarily there when itis contagious). But for us, we didn't want to deny half of our family our child because they were too old to get the booster. Had DS been a preemie too, we might have been more strict.
Married 6/28/03
Kate ~ 7/3/09 *** Connor ~ 11/11/10
4 miscarriages: 2007, 2009, 2013, 2014
*~*~*~*~*
No more TTC for us. We are done, and at peace, as a family of 4.
"Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching, and has taught me to understand what your heart used to be. I have been bent and broken, but – I hope – into a better shape.” — Charles Dickens
this is what we did.