Am I the only one that actually read the package insert from the manufacturer of the vaccine? It states "animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with adacel vaccine. It is also not known whether adacel vaccine can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Adacel vaccine should only be given to a pregnant woman if clearly needed." This is a class c drug.
Per the FDA: "Pregnant women can and should receive a category C drug when the possible benefits of using the drug are more likely than the possible risk of harm to the woman or her baby."
Keeping your child at home decreases their risk of exposure to illness but doesn't eliminate it. Someone in the household goes to work right? What about the grocery store? 95% of infants that get pertussis get it from a family member or caregiver. If you are susceptible you are putting your child at risk. Period.
As a person who has had pertussis, I can confirm that you are contagious before you ever have any symptoms. By the time you get the whoop you have actually been contagious for over a week.
As a physician, people often assume that the worst part of my job is taking care of an infant that does. They are close to correct. The actual worst part of my job is taking care of an infant that dies which could have been prevented. Then the parents are dealing with grief on top of guilt.
Avoiding the flu and pertussis vaccines is putting your child at risk. As a parent you will have to make a thousand decisions that involve the safety of your child and it is your choice but please don't think that by staying home or good hygeine or the fact that you have been lucky enough to never be sick that it means your child is completely safe.
As for the comment above that it is a class C medication, so are tums and aspirin (medications pregnant women regularly take). In fact so are most medications as it is nearly impossible to IRB and FDA approval for the appropriate studies. Even zofran which is technically classB currently has lawsuits due to birth defects. Nothing about pregnancy is without risk.
I agree with you almost entirely, but I thought aspirin during pregnancy was not recommended due to increased risk of complications and so Tylenol is suggested instead.
Baby asprin is used sometimes, especially for women who have had fertility treatments, previous mc, or clotting disorders.
I got my TDAP at my 32 week appointment and will get my flu shot at my 34 week appointment (our hospital didn't have the vaccine yet at my last appt). My husband will be getting both vaccines but I won't be making others around me do it. If they are sick, they shouldn't be around the baby to begin with.
I got my TDAP at my 32 week appointment and will get my flu shot at my 34 week appointment (our hospital didn't have the vaccine yet at my last appt). My husband will be getting both vaccines but I won't be making others around me do it. If they are sick, they shouldn't be around the baby to begin with.
Glad you and your husband are getting vaccinated. I don't understand your logic with the other piece tho.. People are contagious for up to a week before and after they show symptoms.
Me: 28, DH: 40 Married 9/28/13 DS born 11/12/15 EDD 8/13/18
I got my TDAP at my 32 week appointment and will get my flu shot at my 34 week appointment (our hospital didn't have the vaccine yet at my last appt). My husband will be getting both vaccines but I won't be making others around me do it. If they are sick, they shouldn't be around the baby to begin with.
Again people can be sick with pertussis (whooping cough) a preventable killer of newborns for a week without showing any symptoms. This is really flawed thinking.
I got my TDAP at my 32 week appointment and will get my flu shot at my 34 week appointment (our hospital didn't have the vaccine yet at my last appt). My husband will be getting both vaccines but I won't be making others around me do it. If they are sick, they shouldn't be around the baby to begin with.
Again people can be sick with pertussis (whooping cough) a preventable killer of newborns for a week without showing any symptoms. This is really flawed thinking.
I find this viewpoint particularly frustrating, ad I was unable to get the TDAP vaccination last week due to a latex allergy. My doctor is researching it further, but if I am unable to get it my LO will have no protection other than herd immunity until he is 2 months old. I will be home with him, and don't "plan" to expose him to sick people. However, we are really relying on others to be responsible adults and keep their vaccinations up to date.
Not to mention I won't be able to keep him in a bubble the whole 2 months, I have to take him to the doctor where he could be exposed in the waiting room, as well as grocery shopping ect.
I got my TDAP at my 32 week appointment and will get my flu shot at my 34 week appointment (our hospital didn't have the vaccine yet at my last appt). My husband will be getting both vaccines but I won't be making others around me do it. If they are sick, they shouldn't be around the baby to begin with.
Again people can be sick with pertussis (whooping cough) a preventable killer of newborns for a week without showing any symptoms. This is really flawed thinking.
I find this viewpoint particularly frustrating, ad I was unable to get the TDAP vaccination last week due to a latex allergy. My doctor is researching it further, but if I am unable to get it my LO will have no protection other than herd immunity until he is 2 months old. I will be home with him, and don't "plan" to expose him to sick people. However, we are really relying on others to be responsible adults and keep their vaccinations up to date.
Not to mention I won't be able to keep him in a bubble the whole 2 months, I have to take him to the doctor where he could be exposed in the waiting room, as well as grocery shopping ect.
@ash413 it snipped at only my quote but in the quote function it has the PP I responded to as well. Are you responding to me or MNmom? It seems like PP but I'm just checking.
I agree all adults that can be vaccinated should and have the responsibility to protect those that are unable to for whatever reason (allergy, age, immunocompromised sickness) to be a good defense for the defenseless. Hopefully that made sense.
Ceridwen77- Let me clarify- my husband cannot take the flu vaccine, as in for medical reason he is not allowed to take it.
QueenWaldorf5- omg!! really it not hereditary?? Absolutely do not know what I would do with your vital comments.... Yeah I know exactly how this works...thanks
No I am not saying I'm low risk, I am actually saying I am very high risk because I've always worked in the field with children and families year round. What I am trying to point out is that even though I am high risk I haven't been sick. My mother and mother in law are nurses who taught both my DH and I that hygiene and self care go a long long way. Not implying that this is a replacement for medicine or a fix for everyone but it does work for me. And no I am not saying none of my or his family has ever gotten the flu- I'm sure someone must have in the last few years but its very very rare. Of course no new mother wants to expose their child to illness but unfortunately some babies have to be placed in outside home care as early as 4-6 weeks- these babies need that vaccine much more than babies who are not going to be in outside care. I am lucky to be able to stay with my baby for 3 months and after I'll be leaving her with my mother only 3 days a week in a home with no other children or risk factors (my mom is retiring). Some if not most all vaccines are very mandatory and needed for public safety but the flu- its more of an assessment of personal risk based on each individuals situation (my belief and practice). Tdap I could see as more as a "needed" vaccine but for children not every single adult around them.
Girl.
Just because your LO will be with your mom 3 days a week (as is mine, he is not in daycare) doesn't mean you won't bring germs home to her. Your immune system might ward it off but you can still carry. That being said, I took a risk when I was pregnant because I forgot to get the flu shot. I got lucky, but I wouldn't take that chance again.
ETA: As per usual, @modanz1 has said what I was thinking already.
I lurk. I snark. I offer sound advice if you're not BSC. You may not like me. I'm okay with it.
I've worked with kids for 6-7 years and have occasionally (3 times maybe) gotten the flu shot. DH doesnt ever get the flu shot for misc issues but his risk level is usually low. I've never had the flu but decided to get the Tdap vaccine last week only because of all the whopping cough commercials I remember from last season. It made me super tired the day after and my arm was a little sore around the injections site- not a big deal. However I kind of regret getting it now, I mean none of these things have ever happened in any of my or his family and there are small children in both. I'm all for vaccines or meds but there has to be a solid reason for them and I find myself thinking I may have rushed into this. Definitely not getting the flu shot for two reasons 1) its created based on a prediction of what the flu virus will look like that year and as such is often not that effective (see recent announcement "we think this one will be much better than last year-CDC) and 2) I live in South Florida where winters arent that cold and as such the season isnt as long. Plus I don't intend to expose baby to much for those first months. As far as dictating what others should do about their own vaccination schedule, that's so none of my business. I trust the important people in our lives(which are the only ones that will have access) to make themselves scarce when they think they might be sick.
Woahhhh... I'm sorry hold up. You work with kids and don't get your seasonal flu shot? Prior to this pregnancy, did you keep up with other recommended boosters? Look you're an adult and can handle your own health related decisions, but in my opinion once you're working with children and/or those with compromised immune systems you need to think beyond yourself (MA has adult occupational immunization requirements). I for one as a parent wouldn't let that fly if you were around my baby all day. Thank god Massachusetts allows independent daycare facilities to govern exemptions. My son's daycare not only requires immunization of children, but of their staff. The only exception they make are for those with medical exemption. Herd immunity is imperative to those kids with a compromised immune system. Also (again as others have stated), making yourself scarce when you feel sick is too little too late. Symptoms start AFTER you're infected.
God forbid any anti-vaxxers ever have to deal with cancer. If you think vaccines are bad, never ever research what is used to cure cancer.
The whole anti-vaccine movement is a good case of the evolutionary process going backwards, IMO. "Here is something that can prevent a life threatening illness that at one point killed hundreds of thousands of people" "No thanks, that teeny bit of mercury will probably kill me faster"
Ceridwen77- Let me clarify- my husband cannot take the flu vaccine, as in for medical reason he is not allowed to take it.
QueenWaldorf5- omg!! really it not hereditary?? Absolutely do not know what I would do with your vital comments.... Yeah I know exactly how this works...thanks
No I am not saying I'm low risk, I am actually saying I am very high risk because I've always worked in the field with children and families year round. What I am trying to point out is that even though I am high risk I haven't been sick. My mother and mother in law are nurses who taught both my DH and I that hygiene and self care go a long long way. Not implying that this is a replacement for medicine or a fix for everyone but it does work for me. And no I am not saying none of my or his family has ever gotten the flu- I'm sure someone must have in the last few years but its very very rare. Of course no new mother wants to expose their child to illness but unfortunately some babies have to be placed in outside home care as early as 4-6 weeks- these babies need that vaccine much more than babies who are not going to be in outside care. I am lucky to be able to stay with my baby for 3 months and after I'll be leaving her with my mother only 3 days a week in a home with no other children or risk factors (my mom is retiring). Some if not most all vaccines are very mandatory and needed for public safety but the flu- its more of an assessment of personal risk based on each individuals situation (my belief and practice). Tdap I could see as more as a "needed" vaccine but for children not every single adult around them.
God forbid any anti-vaxxers ever have to deal with cancer. If you think vaccines are bad, never ever research what is used to cure cancer.
The whole anti-vaccine movement is a good case of the evolutionary process going backwards, IMO. "Here is something that can prevent a life threatening illness that at one point killed hundreds of thousands of people" "No thanks, that teeny bit of mercury will probably kill me faster"
Didn't you know? Chemo is totes unnecessary too. Suzanne Somers cured her cancer by eating fruits and veggies, doiyyy.
Me: 28, DH: 40 Married 9/28/13 DS born 11/12/15 EDD 8/13/18
I still don't see why people don't look at the past of all of these horrible diseases that were a death sentence and choose not to use modern medicine to avoid them infecting their children or keep them from once again becoming a public health epidemic.
I still don't see why people don't look at the past of all of these horrible diseases that were a death sentence and choose not to use modern medicine to avoid them infecting their children or keep them from once again becoming a public health epidemic.
I've read that these diseases are actually expected to return due to the drop in vaccinations. Goodie let's bring back polio amd MMR and see that there is really no decline in autism. Sometimes I wish I could throat punch these anti-vaxxers. The level of stupidity is alarming!
I still don't see why people don't look at the past of all of these horrible diseases that were a death sentence and choose not to use modern medicine to avoid them infecting their children or keep them from once again becoming a public health epidemic.
Mothers in 3rd world countries will walk for a day or more in order to get their kids vaccinated. They understand the significance and importance, after seeing the devastating diseases first hand.
There is a reason we don't see rubella, and polio in developed countries , (hint:it's not because you have a good immune system) people's selfishness and ignorance will set us back 100 years.
I still don't see why people don't look at the past of all of these horrible diseases that were a death sentence and choose not to use modern medicine to avoid them infecting their children or keep them from once again becoming a public health epidemic.
Mothers in 3rd world countries will walk for a day or more in order to get their kids vaccinated. They understand the significance and importance, after seeing the devastating diseases first hand.
There is a reason we don't see rubella, and polio in developed countries , (hint:it's not because you have a good immune system) people's selfishness and ignorance will set us back 100 years.
My doctor told my husband and I that as long as I got the vaccine in the 3rd trimester, baby would be covered enough through my immunization those first few months until he could get it, too. I'm seeing that others have been told differently.
My bigger question is, if everyone who is supposed to be around my child regularly needs to get it, what do I do with being the pastor's wife and being at church? I can tell sick people to stay away from my kid, but I can't tell the whole congregation that they have to get the Tdap vaccine (or even the flu shot). My husband's insurance doesn't even cover the shot so we'll have to pay $50 for him to get it (obviously, $50 now is better than a sick/dying kid later, I'm not stupid), but I know he's not the only one with crappy insurance (some still don't even have insurance). What do I do?
@rachswi - One thing I remember from when members of our church had little ones was babywearing or keeping them in the carseat with one of the those covers over the carseat. If you don't mind me asking, what is the average age group of your church?
My doctor told my husband and I that as long as I got the vaccine in the 3rd trimester, baby would be covered enough through my immunization those first few months until he could get it, too. I'm seeing that others have been told differently.
My bigger question is, if everyone who is supposed to be around my child regularly needs to get it, what do I do with being the pastor's wife and being at church? I can tell sick people to stay away from my kid, but I can't tell the whole congregation that they have to get the Tdap vaccine (or even the flu shot). My husband's insurance doesn't even cover the shot so we'll have to pay $50 for him to get it (obviously, $50 now is better than a sick/dying kid later, I'm not stupid), but I know he's not the only one with crappy insurance (some still don't even have insurance). What do I do?
Minimize exposure by wearing baby at first and not letting the sweet little old ladies play pass the baby. Ask anyone who is a caregiver and will be holding baby to get it. Also your husband may be offered it for free in the hospital (along with any caregivers that visit) or it may be cheaper to use a pharmacy, most major pharmacies have and can administer the Tdap you could call around for pricing and ask about the policy of your hospital.
@thegingeravenger I do intend to babywear as much as possible, but a lot of the congregation see themselves as our "adoptive parents/grandparents" since my husband and I are in our mid twenties and the average age of the congregation is probably about 60. I had to shoot down having my shower between when the baby was born and Thanksgiving (DD is 11/14, thanksgiving is 11/26) because they so want to be involved in his life and see him (and hold him and kiss him and give him their germs) that they wanted me to be able to pass around the baby during the shower.
I'm not worried about flu since many get the flu vaccine due to their age, but Tdap is not on any of their radars.
@thegingeravenger I do intend to babywear as much as possible, but a lot of the congregation see themselves as our "adoptive parents/grandparents" since my husband and I are in our mid twenties and the average age of the congregation is probably about 60. I had to shoot down having my shower between when the baby was born and Thanksgiving (DD is 11/14, thanksgiving is 11/26) because they so want to be involved in his life and see him (and hold him and kiss him and give him their germs) that they wanted me to be able to pass around the baby during the shower.
I'm not worried about flu since many get the flu vaccine due to their age, but Tdap is not on any of their radars.
Due date twinsies!
Girl, run the excuse gauntlet. Start writing them down now as they come to you and pick one every Sunday morning/Wednesday night. Examples: LO doesn't seem to be feeling well today, I just got him to go to sleep and don't want to wake him up, oh! It's time for him to eat (*flee the scene here*), and he's fussy today and I really don't want him to start screaming here. Those are just a few. The pastor's daughter at my old church, that had a very similar age range as yours from the sound of it, became very good at being blunt yet honest. "I'm not comfortable passing her around before she has her vaccinations during cold and flu season". No is a complete sentence as well, but I can see why you'd be hesitant to do that. You could also insist on them washing their hands and then get "distracted" by something else calling you away.
@thegingeravenger I do intend to babywear as much as possible, but a lot of the congregation see themselves as our "adoptive parents/grandparents" since my husband and I are in our mid twenties and the average age of the congregation is probably about 60. I had to shoot down having my shower between when the baby was born and Thanksgiving (DD is 11/14, thanksgiving is 11/26) because they so want to be involved in his life and see him (and hold him and kiss him and give him their germs) that they wanted me to be able to pass around the baby during the shower.
I'm not worried about flu since many get the flu vaccine due to their age, but Tdap is not on any of their radars.
When I went to church several of the ministers had children in the time. From what I remember, the wives and babies were just not around for about 2 months. Some would sneak in late or leave early after a month or so.
While I understand the congregation is excited, Lo's health is more important than a few disappointed members.
If you are out and people start getting a little touchy you can always use the excuse you need to go nurse in order to take a break.
You can also slather people in sanitizer before allowing them to hold the baby. That's what I plan to do at the family Christmas event. Bridget will be bout 6 weeks by then so a bit sturdier than for Thanksgiving where I plan to babywear and just put in a short token appearance.
If there's something strange underneath the hood. Who you gonna call? Your Doctor. If there's something weird and it don't look good. Who you gonna call? Your Doctor. Immediately. If it's new, painful, and possibly pregnancy related get your ass off the internet and call your doctor. It's for your health and your child's.
For those who haven't gotten theirs yet (Tdap and flu that is)...my recommendation is don't do them both at the same time if you don't have to. I'm hating life right now with two sore arms
All pregnant women are recommended to get the TDAP (Tetanus, Diptheria & Pertussis) Booster in the third trimester of EVERY pregnancy. This is to pass on that immunity to baby as whooping cough is still one of the leading cause of deaths in babies. Anyone who will be in contact (spouse, grandparents, friends, etc...) should get the booster as well. Some hospitals require this shot before being able to visit the maternity ward due to outbreaks. With the exception of the mother, those in contact can get the Tdap booster once in a lifetime and then should get the full vaccine every 10 years. I suggest getting the flu vaccine as well, generally provided the beginning of October throughout flu season. Flu season varies from October through April with worst months thought to be November through March (but again this varies from year to year, each flu season is different). And I second giving both about 2 weeks to have full effect.
Keeping your child at home decreases their risk of exposure to illness but doesn't eliminate it. Someone in the household goes to work right? What about the grocery store? 95% of infants that get pertussis get it from a family member or caregiver. If you are susceptible you are putting your child at risk. Period.
As a person who has had pertussis, I can confirm that you are contagious before you ever have any symptoms. By the time you get the whoop you have actually been contagious for over a week.
As a physician, people often assume that the worst part of my job is taking care of an infant that does. They are close to correct. The actual worst part of my job is taking care of an infant that dies which could have been prevented. Then the parents are dealing with grief on top of guilt.
Avoiding the flu and pertussis vaccines is putting your child at risk. As a parent you will have to make a thousand decisions that involve the safety of your child and it is your choice but please don't think that by staying home or good hygeine or the fact that you have been lucky enough to never be sick that it means your child is completely safe.
As for the comment above that it is a class C medication, so are tums and aspirin (medications pregnant women regularly take). In fact so are most medications as it is nearly impossible to IRB and FDA approval for the appropriate studies. Even zofran which is technically classB currently has lawsuits due to birth defects. Nothing about pregnancy is without risk.
I agree with you almost entirely, but I thought aspirin during pregnancy was not recommended due to increased risk of complications and so Tylenol is suggested instead.
Tylenol is what you would take for a headache or other pain but a lot of women with clotting problems (which can lead to repeat miscarriages) are prescribed a baby aspirin daily. It is also being used to prevent pre-eclampsia in some women at high risk. It's not a medication that anyone should take on their own but only when perscribed by your physician.
I got my TDAP at my 32 week appointment and will get my flu shot at my 34 week appointment (our hospital didn't have the vaccine yet at my last appt). My husband will be getting both vaccines but I won't be making others around me do it. If they are sick, they shouldn't be around the baby to begin with.
Again people can be sick with pertussis (whooping cough) a preventable killer of newborns for a week without showing any symptoms. This is really flawed thinking.
I find this viewpoint particularly frustrating, ad I was unable to get the TDAP vaccination last week due to a latex allergy. My doctor is researching it further, but if I am unable to get it my LO will have no protection other than herd immunity until he is 2 months old. I will be home with him, and don't "plan" to expose him to sick people. However, we are really relying on others to be responsible adults and keep their vaccinations up to date.
Not to mention I won't be able to keep him in a bubble the whole 2 months, I have to take him to the doctor where he could be exposed in the waiting room, as well as grocery shopping ect.
How bad is your latex allergy? Anaphylactic reactions probably shouldn't get it but if you get hives the way I do the CDC still recommends the vaccine. The CDC has a webpage about latex reactions and vaccines if you want to look it up.
I always kept a bottle of hand sanitizer in my diaper bag and when people asked to touch/hold ds I handed them the hand sanitizer first. No one ever questioned it and were respectful about it.
I always kept a bottle of hand sanitizer in my diaper bag and when people asked to touch/hold ds I handed them the hand sanitizer first. No one ever questioned it and were respectful about it.
We did the same thing and everyone was fine with it
Re: Tdap (whooping cough) vaccine
"Pregnant women can and should receive a category C drug when the possible benefits of using the drug are more likely than the possible risk of harm to the woman or her baby."
Baby asprin is used sometimes, especially for women who have had fertility treatments, previous mc, or clotting disorders.
Married 9/28/13
DS born 11/12/15
EDD 8/13/18
Not to mention I won't be able to keep him in a bubble the whole 2 months, I have to take him to the doctor where he could be exposed in the waiting room, as well as grocery shopping ect.
I agree all adults that can be vaccinated should and have the responsibility to protect those that are unable to for whatever reason (allergy, age, immunocompromised sickness) to be a good defense for the defenseless. Hopefully that made sense.
I lurk. I snark. I offer sound advice if you're not BSC. You may not like me. I'm okay with it.
The whole anti-vaccine movement is a good case of the evolutionary process going backwards, IMO. "Here is something that can prevent a life threatening illness that at one point killed hundreds of thousands of people" "No thanks, that teeny bit of mercury will probably kill me faster"
Married 9/28/13
DS born 11/12/15
EDD 8/13/18
There is a reason we don't see rubella, and polio in developed countries , (hint:it's not because you have a good immune system) people's selfishness and ignorance will set us back 100 years.
While I understand the congregation is excited, Lo's health is more important than a few disappointed members.
If you are out and people start getting a little touchy you can always use the excuse you need to go nurse in order to take a break.
I suggest getting the flu vaccine as well, generally provided the beginning of October throughout flu season. Flu season varies from October through April with worst months thought to be November through March (but again this varies from year to year, each flu season is different).
And I second giving both about 2 weeks to have full effect.
Tylenol is what you would take for a headache or other pain but a lot of women with clotting problems (which can lead to repeat miscarriages) are prescribed a baby aspirin daily. It is also being used to prevent pre-eclampsia in some women at high risk. It's not a medication that anyone should take on their own but only when perscribed by your physician.
No one ever questioned it and were respectful about it.