Pertussis Vaccine?

BabyCurtiss2014 · April 2014

I am afraid I'll be one of those people that doesn't take the newborn anywhere at the risk of getting sick! But I know it's good for them to get out!! I'll be a SAHM so technically we don't HAVE to go anywhere except the pediatrician and I worry going there bc of all the sick kids!!! I wish doctors still made house visits lol

ElTrain5 · April 2014

I'll be getting it sometime soon, even though one of the midwives in my practice didn't seem to think it was important. My phobia-riddled behind is still dragging its feet though. I'm seriously considering asking my mom to take me next time she flies out from NY. I know she wouldn't let me back out of it, I'm pretty sure I could convince DH that we should get ice cream instead.

becomingmommyagain · April 2014

Definitely visit the PCP or if you have access to a minute-clinic their Nurse Practioners can bill it under your health plan rather than the pharmacy benefit.

When I started working at the hospital I had to provide proof of vaccinations. I was unable to provide it so they did a simple titer test to determine immunity. I knew for certain that I had a Tdap in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2006 - one after the birth of each of my children and then after an accident I had the Tetanus shot again.

The titers came back saying that I was not immune to tetanus or measles/mumbs/rubella and before I could start work they required me to get these shots as well as the Flu shot.

The potential consequences for not getting the shot are too severe. My pediatrician re-vaccinated my 16 year old daughter even though she isnt technically due until she's 18. Pertussis was particularly awful in our area this year with several cases in the middle school and high school. They were actually recommending everyone go and get re-vaccinated.

RaeJ004 · 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.

Correct, the long term effects are not known. But guess what the short term effects of pertussis is to a one month old? Very likely death. This is the reason I've already gotten it as has DH and most of our family members. There have been too many deaths of infants in my area due to pertussis for me to even think twice about it.

CherSomething · April 2014

I got dTap this past weds at my appointment. My arm hurt for days. It's a "peanut butter" shot (thick) so rub the injection site!! Wish I had!!

Mrs_D_in_KY · April 2014

DH and I got our shots last week when I was 29 weeks. We would have waited longer, however I started with preterm labor at 25 weeks so we wanted to get it sooner than later.

Our local hospital is offering free Tdap vaccines, so absolutely no one in our family and friend circle that is local has an excuse not to get it. The county health department is also offering the shots for $4 each.

DH and I are putting our foot down and stating everyone that wants to be around the baby and especially hold him needs the vaccine, especially since the hospital offers them free. And also because I have the high potential to have a preterm baby with an even weaker immune system.

At our pediatrician, the baby will get the dTap vaccine at 2, 4 and 6 months. Then I believe another booster at 1 year.

emack88 · April 2014

@Rachel5130

It does transfer through breastmilk, at least the CDC says it does. There are some studies that say that the vaccine isn't 100% effective when transferred from the mother, either before birth or through breastmilk. I haven't decided if I will get it after she is born. Probably will though.

temursgirl · April 2014

I haven't gotten it yet, but I will. DH and I have both had it recently anyway, but my doctor considers it necessary for me to get it again either during the third trimester or in the hospital after giving birth.

DH has also asked his parents to get it since they will be staying in our house from August through October. I'm pretty sure my relatives will be up-to-date (if you travel a lot or work in health I would assume you have to get it), but I'll probably mention it to my dad and aunts. Unless the pediatrician tells me otherwise, I wouldn't ask other people who just stop by. I'm really not planning on staying in the house for three months and I don't think meeting people is riskier than going to the grocery store.

Mrs_D_in_KY · April 2014

Kroger offers the vaccine both in their Little Clinics and at their pharmacies.

Abenedict2011 · April 2014

This is the biggest argument my DH and I have had yet. I'm and 100% for vaccines but my husband is not fully on board. He is not anti-vaccines for the kids but has this huge phobia about foreign substances being injected into him. I don't understand his fear and am frustrate by his resistance to the vaccine for himself. He says he wants more info so I'm directing him to the cdc website.

I personally will be getting it now that I'm over the cold u just had. I've encouraged my patents and in laws to get it and my Pcp says that the kids already have had it to go to public schools

flerlgirl · April 2014

Abenedict2011 said:

This is the biggest argument my DH and I have had yet. I'm and 100% for vaccines but my husband is not fully on board. He is not anti-vaccines for the kids but has this huge phobia about foreign substances being injected into him. I don't understand his fear and am frustrate by his resistance to the vaccine for himself. He says he wants more info so I'm directing him to the cdc website. I personally will be getting it now that I'm over the cold u just had. I've encouraged my patents and in laws to get it and my Pcp says that the kids already have had it to go to public schools

If your husband wants to protect your baby, he should get this vaccine. He is letting his fears come before his child.

roadspeckle · April 2014

BabyCurtiss2014 said:
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...

Babies get immunity as it develops/passed on through the placenta. You don't have the same placenta every pregnancy.

BabyCurtiss2014 · April 2014

rachelnjacob said:

BabyCurtiss2014 said:
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...
Babies get immunity as it develops/passed on through the placenta. You don't have the same placenta every pregnancy.

Yeah but if the shot is good for 10 years why would you still not be able to pass immunity w/in those 10 years? That's what I just wonder about.

Abenedict2011 · April 2014

@flerlgirl‌ I agree but he feels that with the baby getting the protection from me from breast feeding, and then his/her own vaccine at 2 months that the chances as slim enough that he doesn't worry. I told him that he is being ignorant (literally with lack of knowledge). so we'll see if he changes his mind when he reads the cdc website and sees how serious it really can be. It definitely makes it hard when I feel so strongly for it!

(Sorry this turned into a vent of sorta, but it's been heavy on my mind and fits well with the thread.)

If anyone has any other articles than the one posted and from the cdc website I'd greatly appreciate it!

CrysW08 · April 2014

I'm getting it tomorrow because my OB recommended it and I trust her.

Jennys9 · April 2014

My OB didn't suggest it for me (or even mention it), although I had done research on my own about pregnant women.

I plan on asking everyone who wants to be around my baby to get the tdap. My parents are on board but I haven't broached the subject with my in-laws (who are usually very casual about illness, safety, etc.). Is it too demanding to ask the grandparents to get a vaccine?

MrsRahl · April 2014

Jennys9 said:

My OB didn't suggest it for me (or even mention it), although I had done research on my own about pregnant women.
I plan on asking everyone who wants to be around my baby to get the tdap. My parents are on board but I haven't broached the subject with my in-laws (who are usually very casual about illness, safety, etc.). Is it too demanding to ask the grandparents to get a vaccine?

I asked all my siblings and DH siblings and all grand parents to get it or check if they got it. Now whether or not they will or not, I can't control, but I plan on baby wearing a ton to try to cut down on people holding the baby as well. I'm a serious germaphobe, and I got sick 4 times during this pregnancy and once had to get antibiotics (I'm a teacher) so I just don't want to risk it.

MissBHaven1024 · April 2014

I got mine around 27-28 weeks, and anyone who plans on spending time with my son when he arrives, needs to be up-to-date on theirs as well.

Abenedict2011 · April 2014

Thanks ladies! I really appreciate it! I will show these things to him and hopefully he will be more open to it.

rastrau · April 2014

Can anyone tell me what the cost of getting the TDaP somewhere like CVS is? I want M/FIL to get it because they live in an area that's recently had an outbreak and FIL was horribly sick for all of January - they say it was the flu, but the way he was coughing....I'm not comfortable about it. DH was shocked when I suggested it, so I'm making him come to my MW appt today where I plan to bring it up, but if it's expensive, I have an uphill battle to fight.

CrysW08 · April 2014

rastrau said:
Can anyone tell me what the cost of getting the TDaP somewhere like CVS is? I want M/FIL to get it because they live in an area that's recently had an outbreak and FIL was horribly sick for all of January - they say it was the flu, but the way he was coughing....I'm not comfortable about it. DH was shocked when I suggested it, so I'm making him come to my MW appt today where I plan to bring it up, but if it's expensive, I have an uphill battle to fight.

My OB said it's typically $65 if not covered by your insurance.

winterstar1 · April 2014

It's $50 at the Kroger where I work but unfortunately we can't give the shot to pregnant women (not allowed in the protocol we have with the physician). I had to get mine at Walgreens for that reason and it was $63 without insurance. Sometimes insurance will cover it in the pharmacy setting though! ETA I work in Texas, so I'm not sure if Kroger's in other states have the same protocol. Worth calling ahead to ask

MorganW24 · April 2014

We found it at costco for $39 without insurance! Not sure if they are in your area or if you have the membership but it's a decent price difference.

ddd2 · April 2014

I spoke with my dr today about flu shot and dtap .. She recommends both but since flu is out of season I will only get the one. Not even a question, she said we will be doing it. Especially since I have a 7 yo who gets sick All the time! I asked if he is already covered on the shot and she said as long as his shots are up to date with school then he will be fine. I was wondering what the price would be for everyone else. From what you ladies are saying, I have no problem asking my fam and inlaws to get it as well

lellymine · April 2014

The health department in my area does it for 15.00 if insurance won't cover it or you don't have insurance.

FutureMrsW9 · April 2014

DH and I are getting it this weekend. In my book, vaccines, whether they're for us or baby or both, are not optional.

SkyAngelMommy · April 2014

I got mine!!!! my dr said it was the best idea and i dont want my baby girl to get sick!!

MrsRahl · April 2014

lellymine said:

The health department in my area does it for 15.00 if insurance won't cover it or you don't have insurance.

Same with our health department, but there is no requirement here whether you have insurance or not. Just walk in, no questions asked and it is $20. Being a teacher, I've used them so many times also for TB tests, etc. that I need renewed every year.

becomingmommyagain · April 2014

Ok, am I being crazy? Dh and my teenagers and I all got revaccinated this winter (me at 27 weeks) and dh told his mother who will be visiting from France, that she needed to get a booster. His mom made the appointment that same day, no question asked.

I told my mom and dad that we were requiring everyone who visits to get a booster and she flipped her shit. My sister that lives near us also flipped out and called me a psycho for being insistent.

We live in an area that pertussis reached epidemic levels this past winter. And I work in a children hospital. The recommendation from our health department was anyone in the health industry or with contact with infants and elderly to get abooster. The day care we selected required all caregivers to get flu and update tdap.

Am I being a crazy pregnant lady by insisting they get a booster or stay away until he's 2 months? I know my parents haven't had a vaccine in more than 30 years. They don't even do flu shots. My sisters got the recommended vaccines on schedule, but they haven't had vaccine since they got out of high school. And One Sister didn't vaccinate her kids until after 1 year old. And then they were always off schedule.

chickpea912 · April 2014

Just a heads up - I'm wading through all of the various information on the CDC website, but I think there is an age limit for getting the tdap vax - I want to say it isn't okay for people 65 and over, but I cannot find a source to confirm that. I read it somewhere, though, so just be aware that some might not be able to get it.

That being said, @becomingmommyagain - you can do whatever you want when it comes to your children. If you would prefer for people to get the vax before being around the baby, then that is your right.

becomingmommyagain · April 2014

@chickpea912‌ my parents are in their 50s!!

My parents and siblings just love to argue. They will start citing articles they read (non scientific of course)...and argue until blue in the face. Not one can tell me why they have a problem with getting vaccinated.

chickpea912 · April 2014

Found this, so it definitely looks like it is possible. I remember being surprised when I saw the information saying it wasn't available to those over 65, so this is reassuring.

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/pertussis/recs-summary.htm

becomingmommyagain · April 2014

One Sister insisted that vaccines are fir population control. ...kept bringing up the federal vaccine injury fund. Refuses to acknowledge that vaccines can eradicate diseases.

The other insists that the vaccines she got for college 10 years ago are sufficient and since she's had 3 kids in 4 years and never got a booster with any of her pregnancy she's not a risk. And her kids are always sick. Always. Her youngest had RSV last winter at 14 months... oh. And she's pregnant now with the 4th baby in 5 years and insisted she's not doing flu shots or tdap during her pregnancy even though she's due in December.

Shineoncrazy · April 2014

I got mine at my last appointment and found out this past week that a guy in my study group has had it since earlier this semester (and was contagious for part of the time). He ended up infecting half the people in the office where he interns.

I'm thankful I've been obsessed with avoiding sick people. It sounds horrible and takes a long time to go away.

dragonfly711 · April 2014

Got the DtAP shot about 4 weeks ago. My Dr said anyone who is going to be around baby a lot should get it. So hubby my mom step dad and my best friend will get it.

Everyone will wash hands.

We have had pertussis around so I am not taking chances.

BabyCurtiss2014 · April 2014

*Update to my OP~ I got mine last Saturday! It wasn't even that bad as far as the arm pain! Hubby got it with me! We are all set!

becomingmommyagain · April 2014

@krptcmschfmkr128 you H and my sis are on the same boat. The one has not had a vaccine since she went to middle school 20 years ago. She refused vaccination of her youngest until 1yr old because she was convinced that the physical problems her older child has are related to the vaccines he was given because he ran fevers the day he got shots. (She refuses to acknowledge that her kids physical disabilities could be remotely related to her active drug use prior to getting pregnant and potentially throughout her pregnancy...)

The other sister kept insisting she got a Tdap prior to starting college as it was required. When I told her the vaccine was only licensed 1 year prior to her starting college and that what was required was a tetanus shot - which is different than the Tdap, she called me a crazy person.

I kid you not, both of my sisters were up all night long googling vaccines and sending me links that support their stance. The one that lives in Florida even googled Ohio's vaccination laws and was pleased to tell me that Ohio supports parents right to delay vaccination and vaccines are not required for children in daycare.

My mom has conceded to consult with her doctor. She has lung damage and breathing issues and regularly sees a pulmonologist and said she'd consult with him if it was a safe vaccine for her to get. She's excluded from the flu vaccine for medical reasons. I told her she should be even more adamant that those around her get vaccinated because she already suffers severe breathing issues.

I really really don't understand why they would want to refuse a little shot that could prevent a tiny baby from dying from a fatal infection. It BLOWS my mind. I can understand some parents choosing to delay vaccinations, but adults who refuse to get themselves vaccinated to protect those who can't get vaccinated are just not going to be welcome in my hospital room or in my home until my precious defenseless little baby can build his own immunities.

becomingmommyagain · April 2014

@Babywear if I remember you are in New Zealand or Australia? I remember reading an article recently about a 6 week old baby in New Zealand who died from pertussis exposure.

My mother is insisting that pertussis is not that bad in Florida so she's less of a risk then those in Ohio where we live. I searched all morning and FINALLY found an article from a local Florida news stating that pertussis has increased 40% in Florida in since 2012.

Be Strong June Mommas - United We Stand on the Vaccine Front!!! Thank you all for the words of support, its going to be a tough battle to fight, but I'm going to stick to it!

MrsCase1 · April 2014

I wouldn't put it past my family to lie to me about getting it. They fought me last time and just sort've dropped the issue. This time I am going full tilt because this baby will likely be exposed to other people sooner than my son was.

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