VACCINE HELP

[schoonma]

Hi All,

I got a letter from my daughter's school saying she needs the Tdap vaccine, first dose. What is this for? I plan on rejecting it but I have to do it fast because I only have until Oct 16th to send in a waiver or they can fine you $25 a day or expel your child:mad:

Thanks!
Mary Ann

[trcg]

Tdap Vaccine
Combined Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap)


Tdap, sometimes known as dTap,[4] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TDaP#cite_note-3) is the acronym for the collective vaccines preventing tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis in adolescents and adults that were licensed in the United States in spring of 2005. These vaccines differ from the childhood DTaP vaccines (brand name Daptacel) in their indication. As indicated by the lower case "d" and "p", the concentration of diphtheria and pertussis toxoids has been reduced in these "adult" formulations to prevent adverse effects (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adverse_effect_%28medicine%29). Two Tdap vaccines are available in the U.S. Adacel, manufactured by sanofi pasteur, is licensed for use in adults ages 11 to 64. Boostrix, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, is licensed for use in adolescents ages 10 to 19.
The U.S.'s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=NACI&action=edit&redlink=1)) both recommended adolescents and adults receive Tdap in place of their next Td booster (recommended to be given every 10 years).[5] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TDaP#cite_note-4) [6] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TDaP#cite_note-5) [7] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TDaP#cite_note-6)[8] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TDaP#cite_note-7) Tdap can be used as prophylaxis for tetanus wound management. Five years between doses of Td or doses of Td and Tdap is the current standard of care; frequent exposure to tetanus toxoid can cause local reactions. People who will be in contact with young infants are encouraged to get Tdap even if it has been less than 5 years since Td or TT to reduce the risk of infants being exposed to pertussis. The ACIP statement on Tdap use in adolescents encourages 5 years between Td and Tdap to reduce this risk; however, both suggest that shorter intervals may be appropriate in some circumstances, such as for protection in pertussis outbreaks. NACI suggests intervals shorter than 5 years can be used for catch-up programs and other instances where programmatic concerns make 5-year intervals difficult.
[edit (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=DPT_vaccine&action=edit&section=5)] Thiomersal

In Europe, current DTP vaccines do not contain thiomersal, but older ones did. In the United States, with the exception of certain flu shots, children's vaccines have not contained thiomersal since 2001.[9] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TDaP#cite_note-italian_cdc_study-8) In New Zealand, a DTP vaccine with the trademarked name Triple Antigen contains thiomersal 0.01% w/v.[10] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TDaP#cite_note-9)

----------------------------------------
DTaP immunization is a vaccine that protects against diphtheria (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001608.htm), tetanus (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000615.htm), and pertussis (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001561.htm) (whooping cough).
See also:


Diphtheria immunization (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007334.htm)
Tetanus immunization (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002031.htm)
Pertussis immunization (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007334.htm)
Tdap vaccine (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007334.htm)


Information

The DTaP vaccine is highly effective for the prevention of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis -- all of which are serious, potentially deadly, diseases. It is given by a shot (injection), usually into the arm or the thigh.
WHO SHOULD GET THIS VACCINE
DTaP vaccination is one of the recommended childhood immunizations. DTaP vaccine can be safely given to infants. Five DTaP vaccines are recommended. They are usually given to children at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years. DTaP immunization is generally required before a child can start school.
After the initial series of immunizations, a Tdap vaccine should be given around age 11 or 12, and every 10 years thereafter. This vaccine provides further protection against tetanus diphtheria, and pertussis, and is used as a booster.
DTaP is recommended unless there is a reason that the child should not receive the pertussis vaccine (such as allergic reaction (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000005.htm)), in which case a vaccine against diphtheria and tetanus (DT vaccine) should only be given.
RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS
DTaP may cause the following mild side effects, which usually only last a few days:


Fever (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003090.htm)
Crankiness
Soreness at the injection site
Vomiting
Decreased appetite

Some health care providers recommend taking one dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) just before getting the vaccine to help avoid common, minor side effects. A warm, damp cloth or a heating pad may help reduce soreness. Frequently moving or using the arm or leg that has received the injection is recommended and often reduces the soreness.
Moderate to serious reactions are uncommon. They may include:


Non-stop crying for more than 3 hours (1 in 1000 children)
Fever over 105 degrees (1 in 16,000 children)
Seizures (1 in 14,000 children)

Severe reactions are extremely rare, but may include severe allergic reaction such as breathing difficulties and shock. Such reactions occur in less than 1 per 1,000,000 children. Long-term seizures and brain damage are so rare that the association with vaccine is questionable.
Usually, a child who has had a problem with the DTaP vaccine can safely receive the Td vaccine.
CONSIDERATIONS
If your child is sick with something more serious than a mild cold, DTaP may be delayed until he or she is better.
The DTaP vaccine is not be recommended if the patient developed Guillain-Barre syndrome (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000684.htm) within 6 weeks of receiving a tetanus shot.
If your child has had any of the following reactions after an earlier DTaP, check with your health care provider before the child receives another one:


Seizures within 3 to 7 days after injection
A serious brain problem within 7 days after injection
Seizures that get worse
Other brain problem (at any time)
Mouth, throat, or face swelling (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003103.htm) within a few hours after the vaccine is given
Difficulty breathing (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003075.htm) (serious allergy) within a few hours after the vaccine is given
Fever of 105 degrees or higher within 2 days after the vaccine is given
Shock or collapse within 2 days after the vaccine is given
Persistent, uncontrolled crying that lasts for more than 3 hours at a time after the vaccine is given

CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF:


You are not sure if your child should get the DTaP immunization
Complications or severe symptoms develop after DTaP immunization
Other symptoms develop after DTaP immunization
You have questions or concerns about DTaP immunization

[HF]

Mary Ann, some people are about to avoid it by claiming a religious exception - sometimes this scares the Powers That Be 'cuz they don't want to Go There so they leave those families alone, LOL.

But, Dr. Mercola has written about it and provides a way to avoid them: http://newsletters.mercola.com/ReferralProgram/referral2.aspx

Good luck!

[Tina71]

How old is your DD? I figure they will be sending something home with my son soon or send me a letter. He is 12 and just started middle school. And he has not got his shots.

[Tina71]

Also, I never have heard of being fined. Hmm.... Here they just send a note home saying that they need the shot by a certain date or they can't come back to school until they get it. I don't many people here have used exemptions.

[rosetapper23]

Umm....just my two cents. Please don't mess with tetanus. The other stuff was just thrown in..and yeah, this particular vaccination is painful, but tetanus is a real threat. No one survives tetanus if infected.

[MommyRose]

Laura, the tetnaus vaccine is one we debated withholding from our kids until I did more research on it. One respected doctor I've read on, Dr. Mendelshon, stated that the vaccine has been watered down so much to make it safer that it was no longer effective. Here's a link to some info I just quickly found tonight: http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/tetanus-vaccine.html Just thought I'd pop some info about tetnaus on here. Proper cleaning of wounds is most important. Choosing to vaccinate or not are tough choices and research must be done.

Good to see you, btw. ;)

[Lori French]

But doesn't emergency rooms routinely give tetanus shots with all broken skin injuries?
Our daughter is highly allergic to the Pertussis vaccine and no one even questioned us..... We may have just been lucky!

[trcg]

The shot is not given if the person has had the Tetanus shot within the 10 yr time frame. Many adults don't remember the last time they got it so then the ER does give it. This is how it is done at our hospital anyway. They would rather you have the shot in your system than give it again.

Renee

[Blissful]

thanks for that link Rose!

[MommyRose]

From what I understand the shot given at the time of an injury would not help if tetnaus was contracted at that time. In spite of that, we did give the DT shot to our first born at the age of 2 when he was receiving stitches (a clean injury-no rusty nails or such involved). We were under INCREDIBLE pressure from the staff and had debated starting it for him soon anyway. Since then I've received more info and peace of mind about not doing the DT shot for our other children.

Lori, you can get the DT without the P. The P is highly questioned in SIDS deaths. My nephew died from SIDS within the questionable timeframe. Therefore...we do not give the DPT shot to our babies. We've just had pertussis in our house. It was rough but, at least my babies were here with us and we could fight it. Dramatic? Not when there has been a sids death in ones family. Our friends, whom have fully vaccinated children ages 4-11 all contracted pertussis at the same time we did. Interesting.

Maryann, what are the laws in your state? Here in CA I simply sign on the back of the vaccination records the school use to exempt my kids citing religious reasons. You can google it. We don't have our kids in a full time public school but use the homeschooling charters.

Your welcome Blissful. :)

[wtchyhlr]

What state are you in?
EVERY state in the country allows religious exemptions (you sign on the back of the vax certificate)
AND some states have philosophical exemptions, also signed on the back of the vax certificate.

The school just needs a form in the file, really. So give them the signed exemption if you don't want to do the shot.

FWIW, we just got my DS a medical exemption and thats now on file everywhere.

[schoonma]

Hello Everyone,

My daughter stepped on a hard rake, you know the ones with about 8 points on them? My son had left it face up on the lawn and she tripped over it :eek: at first I thought she punctured her foot, there was so much blood, and she was crying so much. I spoke to a nurse at the hospital (after hours) and she said to clean it out and watch it. When I called my DD school on Friday to say she wouldn't be in, and I had to explain why, the letter was in the mail by the end of the week. It is an older, not very clean rake....she is fine now but I did worry about Tetanus.

My choice to not vaccinate has nothing to do with religious reasons, don't even know what religious reason people would give, but in my state, Wisconsin, we can claim exemption even if we just do not like to vaccinate our children for whatever reason.

My daughter will be 12 on October 28th....

So, vaccinate or not? I guess I'm really up in the air about this one.

Mary Ann

[Tina71]

My son is 12 too. He had all of his shots *this was before I knew what I know now* But I don't not plan to give him any more. We can do religious, medical or physciological here. So that is good.

What do you mean by signing the back of the vaccine certificate?

[stilltrying]

If you decide to vaccinate, see about getting a shot without mercury (thermisol). It may cost extra (like $75), but it could be worth it to you.

Tina, my DD is 12 and we had the same plan as you - to not give any more. But when my DH took her for her annual, her doctor talked him into a shot. I was so not happy about it! He didn't realize that she was being given something newish and that it had mercury. I'm currently suffering from mercury poisoning, so you can see why I was upset.

Sometimes the back of the health certificate the school wants you to fill out has a spot where you can sign it which states that you declare religious or other reasons why your child isn't vaccinated. If not, you can just write a statement to that affect and sign it if you want.

Mary

[Tina71]

Thanks Mary! Sorry that he got her the shot. And about your mercury poisoning. WOW!

I will have to see if I hear anything from the school about it. Have not heard anything yet. His Dr told me he needed shots but I said nope!

[Tina71]

Back to the top!!

[schoonma]

Thanks for bumping Tina!

I see that I never said which way I went with the vaccination....we did NOT do it :clappinghands: we see a P.A.C. and she is REALLY into vaccinating - she told me people have died from tetanus, and I asked her how many does she personally know of in all the years she had been practicing and she said NONE, so I refused the shot.

My daughter (the one who stepped on the rake) was always such a sweet, happy child until right before her third birthday, and right before her little brother was born. I always say her head did a complete spin and she spit out green pea soup stuff, LOL. I really struggled with her for many years and I wondered if she didn't have shots around that time that "changed" her...she still can be a handful but I just love her to pieces.

What we don't do to our poor kiddos without knowing it.

Mary Ann

[Blissful]

yes, thanks for bumping Tina!

Mary Ann thanks for posting what your decision was on that. I posted on another thread about my ds is about to go into 7th grade and the TDaP, basically what you posted last year. I don't think I will do it and will call the health dept today to find out what I need to do

what's a P.A.C.?

[schoonma]

Sorry, it's a Physician's Assistant...

Take care!
Mary Ann

[MommyRose]

Lucy, when you refuse the DtaP you will be told that Pertussis (whooping cough) is on the rise this year...and I believe it is. What I want you to know is the shot is not going to give full protection. While my dh and 4 (unvacced) boys had whooping cough last year our friends' family (total 6) all got whooping cough too...and they were all vaccinated with the children recently vaccinated. I know many who were fully and recently vaccinated that got whooping cough. So, when they hit you with that do not let it rule your decision. I'm still thankful we didn't vaccinate.

MaryAnn, My sister is positive her daughters personality was changed by the shots she received too. She said there was such a marked difference (she went from easy going to very difficult) after she started her shots. Her next 3 were NOT vaccinated.

Hugs to those making these decisions! I know its not easy but oh so so important for our babies!!!

[Blissful]

Rose, I read a story almost exactly like that somewhere- I've been looking at so much info on it! thanks for telling me that. It's almost hard to believe some of those heartbreaking stories out there, it's just unbelievable. And most of the "alternative" sites I've been to are relating info on vaccines in infants, babies and very young children, not a whole lot out there about older children

But anyway, my descion is made, I'm NOT doing it and I feel very informed (my eyes are crossed from reading so much!) and satisfied in my choice. Feel really good inside about it since I listened to "that little voice" !

[MommyRose]

Good for you Lucy!! :) I know the decision is not easy to make.

A well written article I got in my e-mail from Green Smoothie Girl on the topic of immunizations.

http://www.greensmoothiegirl.com/blog/2010/06/16/immunization-part-1-of-2/ (http://www.greensmoothiegirl.com/blog/2010/06/16/immunization-part-1-of-2/)

In her first paragraph she shares the link to her original post 3 years ago

http://www.greensmoothiegirl.com/blog/2007/09/26/why-i-chose-not-to-immunize-my-kids/

[pamelaw]

Rose, I read a story almost exactly like that somewhere- I've been looking at so much info on it! thanks for telling me that. It's almost hard to believe some of those heartbreaking stories out there, it's just unbelievable. And most of the "alternative" sites I've been to are relating info on vaccines in infants, babies and very young children, not a whole lot out there about older children

But anyway, my descion is made, I'm NOT doing it and I feel very informed (my eyes are crossed from reading so much!) and satisfied in my choice. Feel really good inside about it since I listened to "that little voice" !

Good for you, Lucy! These vaccinations are not immunizations and are cloaked in so much faulty medicine, scare campaigns and refusal to release all their research. They use the scare tactics to blind people to what they are injecting into their most precious gifts - their children.

[Blissful]

yes! I got that green smoothie girl letter this morning also and already read it! :)