Immunization Shots for 2 Month Old.

hi H.
all cases are alway not so severe. my 4 year old had to have 6 shots when we came back from puerto rico because there they dont have to have so many. we were only there a year but that was the time to have his shots and they said no. then we get here and they say yes...he was fine with me. i held him but i had a treat for him when he was done and he held onto me for a couple of days. i wish as well they didnt have to have so many. i hope this helps. but i do know people have different stories. the ups and downs of life. to bad we dont have a handbook for it all. lol
have a blessed day

My son got his just ine he was more pissy that the held his legs straight than anything. I only held his hands and they did the rest. Yes be prepaired or a slight fever and a cranky baby, otherwise nothing else to worry about. It's easier to get 5 at once than to contniuously get shots, one day of ickyness for the advantage over illness/disease I think the pros outweigh the cons.

It's difficult to hold your child's hands while they give them shots at any age, but the first time is particularly hard.

We looked into immunizations, and the chances of vaccines causeing autism (all the reports are conflicting), and we decided that vaccines were best for us. I have a friend, that decided against it, and her 9 month old son is fine, as well.

My son didn't associate the shots with anything until he was a year. Then it was like he knew what was coming when we took him to the doctor. He just had his 18 month check-up and did a lot better. He's always cuddled me after having a shot, and has never associated them with me.

The vaccines they give our children aren't live viruses... so the side effects are a LOT less than they used to be. Definitely do some reasearch, though. My own opinion is that it's more important to have their vaccines if they're going to be in daycare, just because of the amount of things they're exposed to. If you're keeping him at home, it might not make much difference.

You just have to decide which way to go is best for your family.

The nurses did the holding for our babies' first shots, and they didn't even have to "hold them." They are super fast. The baby cried, but was quiet by the time we got to the car.
And the alternative, risking contracting diptheria, is worse than a few tears. Especially this time of year, when illness is rampant.

I don't believe 2 month old infants associates shots with a particular parent and then avoids that parent. I HATE needles, so my husband held down our son for the first 18 months of shots and he is definitely a daddy's boy. I held him down for his 2 year shot YESTERDAY and he was cuddling in my arms seconds afterwards. No change to our routine. I'm still the mommy and I still give the best cuddles. :)

H.,

Just a few weeks ago I brought up the same topic and it is very controversal. The best thing to do is to be aware of both sides. I persoanlly am not comforatable vaccinated before the age of two. YOu are completley right in saying that its just too many virusus for their young bodies to be shot with to fight off. They do not have their own immune sysytem till six months old. I have done TONs of research... and of course your gona find what you want to find.. which even makes it more frusterating... but just be aware of the reactions... there is a better chance the child will have a reaction.. whether it is severe or not... then actually getting the disease itself... im assuming your a clean, healthy mom.. so the third world countries that have to worry about all of this stuff is not a problem for you... just keep researching.. and dont vaccinate until you feel comfortable...
J.

H.,
So refreshing to read a SMART letter. You are so right. My son has autism and he began to regress after his MMR. BELIEVE me I have done my research. It is perfectly fine to stretch out the vaccines. If you get the book Evidence of Harm by Dr. David Kirby that could help you. They are poisoning our kids and we are the only ones who can change that. I am not anti vaccine . Its just their little bodies are getting SO many viruses at once and all kinds of havoc is happening. 1 out 166 kids have autism now and 1 out of 100 are boys! Please find a doctor who will stretch them out. And get the MMR seperated. Do the MEasles and the Mumps like 6 months later etc. GO WITH YOUR GUT!!! I wish I did. If you have more questions email me ____@____.com boy is lucky to have you!
L.

Hi Hilary,
I have a 10mo old but I am also a pediatric nurse and I understand your concern about so many shots in their first year of life. If you knew the consequences of not immunizing and were to see the other side of the diseases these immunizations protect against you will want to immunize your child. Make sure you ask your pediatrician for a combination vaccince called Pediatrix it is a combination of DTaP, Hepatitis B & Polio therefore your child would only need Pediarix, HIB, and the Pneumoccocal therefore 3 vaccinations vs 5 for 2, 4, & 6 months and as a first time mom what a relief it was to know that! Hope that helps.
Regards,
K. W.

You are right to do all your research before you make decisions. Just continue to really do research. Opinions on this message board are just that - opinions. Personally I have followed the typical recommended vaccine schedule and am very glad I have. My son had a Hib infection when he was younger, an infection that is potentially fatal. Luckily he had already had his first round (of 3) of vaccine for it, which helped his body to fight the infection. He was sick for a few weeks and was on some heavy antibiotics, but if he hadn't have had his shots already it could have been much, much worse. Think about how you would feel if something like that happened to your little one and you had decided against the vaccine. I'm not trying to scare you; and I know some say Autism is a risk. Just think it through thoroughly. As for your story of the mom and her baby, that is incredibly rare. I am sure we all would have heard a lot more of that if it happened often. Both my husband and I have taken my baby in for his shots, and he still clings to us both for comfort. My mom is a pediatric RN and she has never heard of issues like that before. Good luck.

I say trust your gut! and check out www.thinktwice.com

My mom's an RN and she'll agree with you. Why the heck are we giving kids so many combined shots? It's ridiculous. All my kids are on a delayed vaccination schedule. Don't let the doctor push you into something your gut says no to. Ask any mom with a child with autism! You can ask your doctor to order the combos split up. Not all doctors are willing to do it so you may have to shop around for a new pedi. We see Dr. William T. Lin in Richardson and he is very willing to let me space out the shots. My daughter is almost two and we haven't even had the MMR yet. We'll get it, but we're going to have it split up and each shot 6months apart.

Trust your instincts and good luck!

What are concerned about more about the baby not likely you or more about putting 5 viruses in the baby at 2 months...

If its the later i would have the same concerns.I would suggest you look at delaying some vaccinations.

Please do some research about vaccination and make a informed decesion as to what to put in your baby and when.

I think delayed vaccination may be an option don't let the Pedi force you to vaccinate your child if you have concerns...

Good luck

The doctor that my children go to stretches out the shots. I just started going to this doctor a few months ago and my daughter is 18 months old and has not had all her shots. However, my son did get his shots at one time and he has not had a severe reaction. I too, have had to hold their legs down for the shots and they still came to me for comfort. I also, gave them a dose of Motrin a half-hour before the shots were administered.

Hi H.,

A shot hurts, so a child will cry. But only for 1 or 2 minutes. It doesn't hurt so much a child will cry for half an hour, it's "only" a small needle, the pain is gone as soon as the needle is out. I don't believe it can be true a 2 months old will associate the mom who holds the hands while given the shot, with the pain of the shot. A 2 months old doesn't have a long term memory that good! Also breastfeed directly after, that way your child will be happy again.

Good luck. If you decide to give the shots now, don't worry about the pain. Believe me, a 2 year old will fuss much more than a 2 months old.

I.

I know you're getting tons of response going both ways. We gave our son all his shots on schedule and he had absolutely no problems. IMO part of the reason that it's safe for children who do have problems with the shots to go without, is because of "global immunization". Meaning that because almost everyone else is protected, it keeps the community protected and therefore the child who cannot have the immunizations. My son cried when the shots were given, but was over it in about 5 minutes, at the most. I really believe it was harder on me! But now I know that he is safe from these things that are way more harmful. Just my opinion.

Hi H., my son is now about to be 1 on the 22nd and he did perfectly fine with all of his shots they only give them to them to keep them safe they don't do it because they want to hurt them or trying to make them not trust their parents it is to keep from getting sick and when he gets older he will have to have them for daycare or school so it better to get them on time then putting it off and making it hurt worse because they have get more at once.

Hilary,

There is no need to worry about the immunizations; they are pretty standard now, and keep children from getting severly ill. I know it's difficult to see your infant in pain, but its fairly short lived, and you have to tell yourself that they won't remember this! Just imagine the pain they would be in if you didn't get the shots and a couple months from now they end up getting severly ill from a disease that the vaccine protects them from....all the IV's, shots, and meds wouldn't even compare to his vaccine shots.
My husband is a physican and assured me through both of my children's visits that these are neccessary. Both my little girls (15 months and 3 years) are very healthy, happy, and don't resent me at all for bringing them to the doctor. They run to me for comfort, love, and joy despite me having to hold their legs down for 5 seconds months before.
I know we all worry, but I strongly advise getting your son immunized.
Good luck-
G.

Here's my opinion. Trust your gut! Don't be convinced to sway any direction that your gut tells you not to go. I have a vaccine injured child. The heartache and expense is excruciating! There is NO NEED to do all of these vaccines at such an early age. Your baby's immune system isn't ready for that onslaught! They say they have taken the thimeosol out, but there are still a host of other toxic chemicals in there as well as thimerosol! I have read studies showing that the diseases they applaud the vaccines for eradicating were already almost obsolete before the vaccines were introduced. The vaccines aren't always effective either. What's wrong with getting chicken pox the good old fashioned way and then actually building a strong immunity the good old fashioned way! Some vaccines may be necessary (none in my opininon), but you can space them out and do a single dose that hasn't been on the shelf laden w/ preservatives for a year! Don't give Tylenol after vaccines if you do any! It depletes the body's natualy ability to detox. I know so many parents whose children were progressing fine and lost everything after vaccines. Do lots of research. Also, you can get vaccine exemptions based on philosophical or religious reasons that you can give to the schools/daycares. You do not HAVE to vaccinate.

That's my 50 cents worth!
http://www.mercola.com/2001/aug/18/vaccine_myths.htm
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/7395411/deadly...
http://drbenkim.com/vaccination-hidden-dangers.html
http://www.lewrockwell.com/rockwell/medical.html

We did shots, just as we are "supposed" to. But looking back, I might have done a different schedule. I believe it is the "Stop Autism Now" group that has a recommended staggered schedule of shots. Your child still gets most of the shots, but never more than one at a time. Do a little research on it. Keep in mind..."they" can't make you do anything!!!! I believe strongly in the need for vaccinations, but I do question loading up our babies' young immune systems w/ so many at once & eh ! gads! I went through a 46 hour natural labour to avoid an epidural needle...I hated the idea of my little bitty one
getting "stabbed" 5 times in one visit! Ouch! Just think about it, research, & go with your gut.

I have to say I think there probably is more to the story of the baby you heard of who associated his mother with the pain of getting a shot. Either that, or it's an urban legend.

I've helped hold each of my children down for every single shot. They cried for each one, and they were fine soon thereafter. No lasting effects whatsoever. Sometimes as moms, we have to do what our children don't like because we know better what's best for them.

As for altering the immunization schedule, talk to your pediatrician. Ours offered to let us hold off on shots as we saw fit. In the end, we figured that any risks associated with immunizations are far outweighed by the benefits.

You won't find a doctor around here who will say that there is anything wrong with giving immunizations to infants. However, you'll find info if you search the internet. Just be careful of what you read - you can't believe everything that's out there. We chose to delay our son's immunizations starting at 4 months of age. That's when I started looking into it. So his last shots were at 4 months, then 18 months, then 2 1/2. We're still a little behind but I'm comfortable with that. I really took into consideration what he's exposed to (no day care, I don't see where we live as being particularly risky for some of the illnesses, etc.) And I talked with our pediatrician. Although she gave me info about why we need to immunize, she didn't see anything wrong with delaying. He's 3 now and one issue that I've run into is that preschools want his immunization record. In texas you can choose not to immunize your child because of personal beliefs, but there's paperwork and a process to go through before taht's approved. And I don't know that I want my son in school unimmunized. Ultimately, I believe in immunizations, just not so many when they are so young. Despite teh story you heard about the mother holding her baby down, when they are as young as your child, they don't hold a grudge. If it was a toddler and it was that traumatic, then I can see that happening. Not with a baby. And when he is older, you will have to hold him for shots because otherwise he'll try to get away. Pin him down isn't the word I'd use though. And the benefit to doing them now instead of later, is that next time you go to the doctor your baby isn't afraid of the shot. Because we waited, my son remembers the shots and asks about them each time we have a dr. appointment. Oh, and what you can do is spray a topical anaesthetic where they will give the shot so it hurts less. Maybe not for an infant but for an older child. Approve that with your pediatrician, of course.
So that's my two cents.
I'll add one more thing....about the autism link, it is my understanding that it was the mercury in vaccines that was linked to autism. Your pediatrician should only be using mercury free vaccines now so that wouldn't be a concern. And flu shots still contain mercury but at my dr.'s at least, I can request a mercury free flu shot.

I too, am concerned about the 5 vaccines in one shot and in giving infants seemingly unnecessary shot in the hospital.

My son had everything when he was an infant b/c I didn't know any better. I thought if he did not have them, it would not be a good thing for him. Now, after hearing other moms and learning about the risks, I would not do it again. With my next one, I will wait. I am no doctor but I don't think there is anything wrong with waiting. Talk to your doctor or get a second opinion. It's worth researching for yourself the side effects to all of the vaccines ... it's scary when you start reading what could happen.

Be Blessed,
J.

H.,
I know that watching your little baby going through the pain of a shot is going to be hard...but TRUST me it is for the best. Every child is different and just because your friends child reacted in that way doesn't mean that yours will. Immunizations are KEY to your child getting a healthy start in life. I work at a hospital and I've see babies come in with Rotavirus and all kinds of other illnesses that could have been relieved or even prevented with the proper immunizations. About the 5 immunizations...it's only going to be 2 actual shots. My daughter did really well ...cried.. but was soothed with her bottle. Her legs were sore but the tylenol really helped her. Now...she doens't cry at all with shots and she is 9 months. See...every child is different. I strongly recommend that you don't wait and get all your childs vaccinations. Hope this helps. Good luck and keep us posted. Oh and CONGRATS!!!on being a new mom.. It's a great experience and they grow up way too fast so enjoy all the moments and write every little thing down.

Well, first off they get shots at 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12 months. They give the combo shots (5 in 1, 3 in 1, etc.) so that they do not have to give them 5 seperate shots. They ususally get two or three shots anyway, and that is easier for everyone involved, baby, mommy and nurse. They do usually have you hold their hands so that the baby doesn't grab at the needles (it would be terrible for the little ones if they accidently did themselves more harm by jurking at the needle). My son revently had his 6 month immunizations and did just fine. Just a little crying until the sticks were over. Each child is different. My daughter needed a little more comfort post shots. Neither of my kids associate me with the pain of the shot, however, my daughter did associate the doctor's office with shots and that dissipated after a few visits to the doctor's office without shots. We give our children immunizations to prevent them from getting disease, to prevent the spread of disease in others and to keep diseases from reappearing in the population. All in all it is for their good and is only a few moments of pain.

I do advise that you call your pedi ahead of time to find out the correct dose of infants tylenol and dose your son an hour ahead of time to help circumvent possible fever and aching at the shot site.

Good luck, and please don't worry so much.

Trust your gut, but also educate yourself as much as possible. Check out these web sites. http://www.vaccineinfo.net
http://www.909shot.com http://www.cdc.gov/node.do/id/0900f3ec8000e2f3
I have 3 children. My for year old has had the majority of his shots the 1 year old has had one and the 4 month old has not had any and she like her older brother will not have ANY until she is at least a year old. PLEASE DO NOT LET SOMEONE ELSE MAKE MEDICAL DECISONS FOR YOUR CHILD BASED ON A NATIONAL STATISTIC. If it were me and I was not waiting, I would go by the recomended weight not age. The recomended wheight for each vaccine can be found on the cdc website with a little digging. I WOULD NOT use the 5 in one. Instead go with vaccines that have been around long enough to give you some kind of a history. Mercury is now out of all vaccines but the flu shot but has been replace with fermaldahide (not sure on the spelling there sorry). AGAIN DO YOUR BEST TO EDUCATE YOURSELF AND THEN FOLLOW YOUR GUT.

here are some great references about vaccinations from the CDC. The first is concerning FAQ about their safety and touches on the multiple shots in one topic. The second discusses the safety concerns associated with vaccinations. I have found through nursing school (just graduated) that research and hard facts are much more reliable than word of mouth. I hope this helps!

http://www.cdc.gov/od/science/iso/concerns/multiplevaccin...

http://www.cdc.gov/od/science/iso/concerns.htm

Here is a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics about Thimerosal http://www.cispimmunize.org/fam/thimerosal.htm

I think we need to be grateful that we don't live in a country where our children are dying every day because of vaccine-preventable diseases and the only reason the children who are unable to be vaccinated are protected is because of the many children who are. The more parents who choose not to vaccinate, the more prevelant these horrible diseases will be.