Pertussis Vaccine?

BabyCurtiss2014 · April 2014

Hi ladies, sorry if this is a repeat topic! I'm curious if everyone is planning to get this vaccine and if not, why not?
I did some research from the CDC website and it does say that they can't confirm benefits to the baby (how much immunity gets transferred) and also that if immunity is transferred from mother it can decrease the effectiveness of the vaccine once administered to child.
I was planning to get it and now have second thoughts so was wondering what you guys are doing now that we are all in the recommend time frame (27-36 wks)
Thanks!

lizok22 · April 2014

i got it last visit. it was not something debatable.

AandJ28 · April 2014

I was just informed of this at my last visit and plan on getting it. I did find it strange that it was mentioned at my drs but was told they don't administer it and that I can get it at CVS. Has anyone had vaccinations done at CVS? I haven't previously and am a little iffy about it.

AandJ28 · April 2014

I was just informed on this at my last visit and plan on getting it. I did find it strange that it was mentioned at my drs but was told they don't administer it and that I can get it at CVS. Has anyone had vaccinations done at CVS? I haven't previously and am a little iffy about it.

Mztwilson · April 2014

Already got it. Wasn't even up for discussion. I trust my dr opinion and if she thinks the benefits outweigh the risks then I'm on board. If it's going to protect my child from getting sick then im all for it.

otter1103 · April 2014

I got it without question and almost got it earlier than 28 weeks because my son was exposed to it at his high school. Doc choose to have me watch for any symptoms in him and me and if any did show up the whole house would be going on meds. I lean towards anything that can help boost immunity and have never heard of the potential to lower it in baby by mom getting vaccinated.

twistsandturnsto2 · April 2014

When does LO get the vaccine for it?

I did already get it and all immediate family is getting it now too. But my Hs extended family is planning on visiting our area a few weeks after LO arrives. Am I to assume that they all need it too?

emack88 · April 2014

I'm not getting it due to the fact that it hasn't been formally tested on pregnant women and has only been recommended for the past 2 years, so the long term effects on the children are not know yet. I've been debating it for the past month but finally decided against it. I will probably ask my family members to get it however.

JelloBean1 · April 2014

CDK211 said:

BabyCurtiss2014 said:

if immunity is transferred from mother it can decrease the effectiveness of the vaccine once administered to child.

I had never heard this, but will look into it more. Anybody else ever heard this?

We all have the vaccine and are planning on suggesting visitors get it if they want to meet baby. I had never heard that passing some antibodies along could mess up the effectiveness when administered to the child. Off to research .

It does say that on the CDC website, but it looks like the benefits outweigh the risks: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/pertussis/tdap-pregnancy-hcp.htm

DTaP Effectiveness for Infant if Mother Vaccinated with Tdap during Pregnancy

By vaccinating a woman with Tdap during pregnancy her infant will gain pertussis antibodies during the most vulnerable time – before 3 months of age. However, providing this early immunity may also interfere with the infant's immune response to DTaP vaccine. The infant's immune response to DTaP may not be as strong, but the clinical implications may not be significant. Researchers are still working to understand this issue.

However, the benefits of vaccinating during pregnancy and protecting a newborn outweigh the potential risk of blunting the infant's response to DTaP vaccine. Since infants are at greatest risk of severe disease and death from pertussis before 3 months of age – when their immune systems are least developed – any protection that can be provided is critical. Infants should receive their DTaP vaccines on schedule, starting at 2 months of age.

amackattack · April 2014

@AandJ28 we went to the Minute Clinic at CVS to get the TDAP. The nurse practitioner was great, there was no wait, it was awesome. I've been there before and had a good experience that time as well.

ricecakes1216 · April 2014

I will be getting it and so will H. We had a Pertusses out break in my area and I will not risk my child getting it.

jshrop · April 2014

When you go to CVS the pharmacists are the ones who administer it. They're all trained to administer that vaccine. I plan to have everyone who is going to be around baby in the first 6 weeks get it.

JulieSmiles · April 2014

AandJ28 said:

I was just informed of this at my last visit and plan on getting it. I did find it strange that it was mentioned at my drs but was told they don't administer it and that I can get it at CVS. Has anyone had vaccinations done at CVS? I haven't previously and am a little iffy about it.

I got my flu shot at CVS and I'm planning to get my tDap there this week. I just went to the pharmacy and got it taken care of. They were really nice and it was a positive experience for me so I recommend them.

MrsRahl · April 2014

So those of you who aren't allowing people you don't know have the vaccine or not around, how are you handling them coming to the hospital and holding your baby? I feel like I can't just say no or make people provide me with documentation lol however I wish I could!! So what are your plans?

PressLove · April 2014

AandJ28 said:

I was just informed of this at my last visit and plan on getting it. I did find it strange that it was mentioned at my drs but was told they don't administer it and that I can get it at CVS. Has anyone had vaccinations done at CVS? I haven't previously and am a little iffy about it.

I believe that CVS offers vaccines through their Minute Clinics. Our insurance won't cover Minute Clinics b/c there aren't any doctors on staff. They will cover vaccines from the RiteAid Pharmacy as part of our pharmacy benefits.

According to my research the vaccine is only suggested for caregivers. Therefore, DH, the grandmothers, and I will all be covered. I'm not making this a requirement for other visitors. The only caveat is that I will steer clear of anyone who is anti-vax.

JelloBean1 · April 2014

emack88 said:

I'm not getting it due to the fact that it hasn't been formally tested on pregnant women and has only been recommended for the past 2 years, so the long term effects on the children are not know yet. I've been debating it for the past month but finally decided against it. I will probably ask my family members to get it however.

I've been thinking about this too...I read the package insert and saw that it said they've only done studies in pregnant rats, not humans. Also, I had my TDaP booster shot less than 2 years ago, and they haven't really studied adverse reactions in getting it twice in under 2 years. I still have a month to decide. My husband already got his (2 years ago with me), and my parents got theirs a couple years ago. It's supposed to last for 10 years.

quinnlucas6118 · April 2014

I'm getting mine at this week's visit, 32 weeks. My hubby is also getting his in the next week or so, my mother is already vaccinated working in healthcare and my son is up to date on his already. My hubby has to talk to my MIL because she's coming from San Fran to see the baby at 1-2 weeks and wants to stay 2-3 weeks and I'm not letting her around without it. His sister is anti everything and gets weird MRSA infections and things all the time from her dermal piercings and I'm afraid what else could be there.

MorganW24 · April 2014

We found it the cheapest at the costco pharmacy (about a $25 dollar difference). My hubby and the grandparents will be getting it in the next few weeks. I've opted to wait until after baby is here because I'm not 100% comfortable getting it while pregnant as it is a newer recommendation.

lellymine · April 2014

MrsRahl said:
So those of you who aren't allowing people you don't know have the vaccine or not around, how are you handling them coming to the hospital and holding your baby? I feel like I can't just say no or make people provide me with documentation lol however I wish I could!! So what are your plans?

Anyone we invite to come to the hospital afterwards I feel comfortable telling them they need the shot or they can't hold the baby. All our immediate family has been told if they want to hold her their shot needs to be done by the second wk in May, since it takes 2 wks for it to be fully effective. I'm not forcing them to get it. If they choose not to get it then I feel it's my right as her mother to say they can't hold her. Her health is much more important to me than if they're offended or annoyed.

puttyeast · April 2014

Already got it and so did my SO. I'll be asking the grandparents too as well since they will be around a lot before the baby gets his own vaccinations. I didn't realize about possibly reducing his response to the Dtap but it sounds like the early weeks are more critical in any case.

I also have always heard that it is good for 10 years. But recently, I read the new recommendation is every 3 years. Anyone know about this? I need to look it up again.

Rosebud2587 · April 2014

I got mine at my last OB appointment.

My OB suggests getting it with every pregnancy so even though I had it in 2011 when pregnant with DD, I got one again with this pregnancy.

ashanne88 · April 2014

AandJ28 said:

I was just informed on this at my last visit and plan on getting it. I did find it strange that it was mentioned at my drs but was told they don't administer it and that I can get it at CVS. Has anyone had vaccinations done at CVS? I haven't previously and am a little iffy about it.

Both DH and I got the shot at CVS. Since you're pregnant, they will double check with the pharmacist to make sure it's okay (which seems completely weird since that's why we were getting it). I would recommend calling CVS before you go to make sure they have the shot in stock.

nunzchucks · April 2014

@AandJ28‌ Your OB may not do it because they don't get a reimbursement from the insurance company. Mine also said to go to the health department. I did mine at Target. The pharmacist was really great.

steprozz · April 2014

got it at my 28 week appt without question. like PP have said if my doctor and science say it's beneficial then I'm all for it. and yes technically the tdap is supposed to "last" for about 10 years but if someone wants to be around the baby and got it more than a few years ago I might ask them to get it again. since DS was born 18 months ago and DH and all the grandparents and aunts/uncles got it then, I think we should be in the clear.

rainbowdashh · April 2014

I'm getting mine in 2 weeks. My doctor strongly advises it and I haven't had a booster in about 7 years now so it's time regardless. Pertussis scares me, so I'll do whatever the medical field advises to protect my newborn.

JulieSmiles · April 2014

JelloBean1 said:

emack88 said:

I'm not getting it due to the fact that it hasn't been formally tested on pregnant women and has only been recommended for the past 2 years, so the long term effects on the children are not know yet. I've been debating it for the past month but finally decided against it. I will probably ask my family members to get it however.

I've been thinking about this too...I read the package insert and saw that it said they've only done studies in pregnant rats, not humans. Also, I had my TDaP booster shot less than 2 years ago, and they haven't really studied adverse reactions in getting it twice in under 2 years. I still have a month to decide. My husband already got his (2 years ago with me), and my parents got theirs a couple years ago. It's supposed to last for 10 years.

I got mine in July before I started my new job. My doctor is still requiring me to get it during pregnancy.

becomingmommyagain · April 2014

I got mine at 27 weeks. We have international visitors coming in July. We've asked them to be up to date on their vaccines, and I've also had my entire family updated as well.

Pertussis is not something to mess with. I work for a Children's Hospital and this year was particularly awful.

BabyCurtiss2014 · April 2014

Thanks ladies!! I already asked all grandparents to get vaccinated and my and DH's siblings. DHs parents had it 5 years ago so they are still good.
I read that vaccinating after baby is born wont provide as much to the baby and is not advisable (CDC). My OB doesn't administer them either...I had a BAD experience when I got my flu shot at Walgreens at 6 weeks preggo they gave me the vaccine with Thimerisol!

They knew I was pregnant and said there is no special vaccine. This is before I knew the difference although CDC says its safe it REALLY pissed me off and I cried for a week!
I read TDap is Thimerosal free so shouldn't have a problem there but I'll be going to CVS! I think I will get it it makes me feel better that most all of you have/are getting it so thank you! :-)

BabyCurtiss2014 · April 2014

I do think its odd that they say you need to get it EVERY pregnancy as if the antibodies don't last that long...but then non preggo every 10 years! It's just a bit odd...

catsinawindow · April 2014

I got the TDaP. As PP have stated, the benefits outweigh the potential risks.

My MWs don't give the TDaP vaccine so I went to my PCP to get it. For the ladies who can't get it from their OB, you might want to check into going to your PCP vs a drug store. For my insurance, getting the shot at a pharmacy falls under the "pharmacy benefits" umbrella (only partially covered) while getting it at my PCP falls under the "medical benefits" umbrella (fully covered). My MW wrote a prescription for the TDaP, I made a nurse's appointment at my PCP, and they administered the shot no problem (and no co-pay!)

coffee89 · April 2014

I'll be getting it hopefully this week once we figure out our vaccination benefits with the insurance company.

curlylocks3 · April 2014

I so did not see this entire debate coming back during the Great Flu Shot Debates of 2013.

I'd offer popcorn to people but since I can't eat any right now I'm not going to.

MNOpea · April 2014

I will be getting it even though I got it 2 years ago when I was pregnant. Dh will not be getting it again since he also got it 2 years ago, I don't ask family/friends to get it as they won't be spending significant amounts of time with baby

Eta: realized that only half of my post posted

wimb01 · April 2014

I had it in the hospital after Dd was born in 2012. No need to get it again. I also opted to get it after birth instead of during pregnancy because thats what my doctor recommended. The antibodies are transferred through breast milk.

colllydon · April 2014

I got it already and DH is going to CVS this week to get it. Like PP said I trust my doctor in this instance. One thing though, it hurt like a bitch for a few days. Like someone punched me in the arm. The nurse told me to expect that and that it was normal.

lellymine · April 2014

colllydon said:
I got it already and DH is going to CVS this week to get it. Like PP said I trust my doctor in this instance. One thing though, it hurt like a bitch for a few days. Like someone punched me in the arm. The nurse told me to expect that and that it was normal.

Mine too! I've heard if you go home and vacuum or do some dusting it helps the soreness leave quicker.

colllydon · April 2014

lellymine said:

colllydon said:
I got it already and DH is going to CVS this week to get it. Like PP said I trust my doctor in this instance. One thing though, it hurt like a bitch for a few days. Like someone punched me in the arm. The nurse told me to expect that and that it was normal.
Mine too! I've heard if you go home and vacuum or do some dusting it helps the soreness leave quicker.

Haha did you hear that from my husband? Sounds like a comment he would make to be funny!

flerlgirl · April 2014

Got it with DS and will get it again this time around.

ElTrain5 · April 2014

curlylocks3 said:

I so did not see this entire debate coming back during the Great Flu Shot Debates of 2013. I'd offer popcorn to people but since I can't eat any right now I'm not going to.

So far I don't see any debate. It seems like everyone is getting it or still researching for the first time.

Unknown · April 2014

This content has been removed.

nilwethien · April 2014

DH and I are both getting it, and we're requiring that anyone who is staying at our house anytime in the baby's first three months of life have had one in the last 3 years.

We have also suggested to those who may come to visit that they get the shot, but we figured that their hour long visits wouldn't be any more risky than a trip to the store or bringing the baby to work with me everyday at 6 wks old when I work at a church with attached preschool and elementary school.

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