I've just learned that my father has the shingles! My father was watching my 13 month old daughter yesterday. I called the pediatrician expressing my concern and they said to bring her in tomorrow so she can get the vaccine. She just got the vaccine at her 12 month appointment. She isn't due to get it again until she's 4 years old. So by giving her the second dosage, she will skip it at age 4. Has anyone had to do this? I'm so nervous about side effects!!!
Hello Everyone! Thanks so much for the great advice! I did not end up taking her to get the second vaccine. I definitely was skeptical about it because she just had her first one a month ago. She seems fine and I've been checking her frequently for any signs of the chicken pox. Thanks again for your input and helping me make this decision.
Even if she does get the chicken pox (after one vaccine) it is not bad. Two of my kids had them after one vaccine. They were barely sick, just a little itchy. They only got 10-15 spots. Don't worry.
How about doing a blood test to check her antibodies before vaccinating her again?
I think you should get a second opinion. I don't understand how a vaccine after she has been exposed would do anything. I am really surprised that they would want to give her a second one 3 years early. It really doesn't sound right to me. Also, it would probably be great if your 1 yr old got them so it would be over with and you would never have to deal with it again. Better now then in a few years when it would be hard to stop the child from itching. Good luck!
According to www.cdc.gov, it is very rare to catch chicken pox from someone with shingles. "For children aged 12 months through 12 years the minimum interval between doses is 3 months. However, if the second dose was administered at least 28 days after the first dose, it can be accepted as valid." that is from the cdc.gov immunization schedule. I am not a doctor and I am a full supporter of vaccinations. If I was in your shoes, I probably would not take her in for a second dose at this time. I don't see how the second dose will give her any extra protection at this time, but I could be completely wrong.
I don't know what the right answer is for you but what is the worst case scenario? If your daughter gets chicken pox, that would also provide her with immunity. We all got chicken pox as kids. I may be way wrong but that was my initial reaction. Good luck!
Chicken Pox is a lot less severe than the Shingles, and having it as a child provides an immunity that does not run out (unlike the vaccine). Especially since your child was already vaccinated, I would just let things rest. Chances are, your daughter is protected, anyway. I would at least get a second opinion, because this doesn't make sense to me.
Here is a fact sheet about the vaccine, from the CDC:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/combo-vaccines/mmrv/v...
Here are other links:
http://askville.amazon.com/SimilarQuestions.do?req=true+C...
http://www.well.com/user/rld/myriam/cpoxfaq.html
I am not a Doctor, but to me, she was already vaccinated, 1 month ago. It is in her system. The vaccines are not 100% protection, but her body would have built up antibodies... I would think.
Perhaps, get a 2nd opinion, or call the CDC....
About two years ago, my sister had shingles and was told both her boys wouldn't get the chicken pox b/c they were vaccinated. Her older son (who was 4 and had both shots) did get it--while I was there visiting with my then 6 mo old son. Despite being around my sister and her kids (bathing with them, etc) for three days, my son didn't the chicken pox. My sister's younger son got the booster of the vaccine and didn't get the chicken pox (he was about 3)
In my opinion, your daughter has already been exposed so I don't know how much getting the booster of the vaccine will help. If she did get the chicken pox, she's very likely to have a mild case since she's been vaccinated. Would it be horrible if she got them? Regardless of her getting the booster, you'll probably be recommended to keep her away from babies and unvaccinated pregnant women for the next two weeks.
If you're nervous about side effects, I'd let nature run it's course and wait and see if she gets the chicken pox. If she does, you'll never have to worry about it again.
Bummer about the shingles. That is a horrible thing to have to go through!
I would definitely ask more questions about getting the second vaccine so soon after the first - are they sure her immune system has had a chance to form a proper response from the first vaccine? If so, what is the added benefit to having the second dose again so soon? Given that she was already exposed, are they sure it will help her at this point?
I do disagree with the other posters who said it would be great for her to get chicken pox now. If you never get chicken pox (and you have immunity to it), then you can't get shingles. Shingles is horribly painful to the point of being debilitating. If you can avoid this altogether for your daughter, that is by far the best route to take.
My kids are not vaccinated against chicken pox. My grandmother had shingles last year and asked her doctor and he said they couldn't catch it from her having shingles, just warned her not to let them touch any open sores.
