Immunizations - Chicago,IL

Hi Nicole,
I'm not sure if I have already emailed you on this. But I'be had three sons. My first two sons had a few shots, but then I did research on the sub. After I did that, I would not have any of my son have any more shots at all. (My sons are 21, 18 and 15) My 15 yr old has never had a shot and he happens to be my biggest kid. (right now they are all over 6 foot). They all went to public school, and "WAVED" all shots, for religious reason. They never questioned me again about it. But I feel that my kids have been healthier becuase of no shots. Again....DO YOUR RESEACH!
Mrs.P

Hi- I understand your concerns! Especially if you yourself have had reactions. That is not something to take lightly.

We don't vaccinate our children and I encourage you to go with your gut feeling- and do make sure you are knowledgable about vaccinations (not just from what your doctor says, but from what you research on your own.) I blogged about this recently with helpful links for more info if you want to check it out here:

http://adventuresinbabywearing.blogspot.com/2006/07/stirr...

And for those out there that assume your child can't go to school unvaccinated, then you haven't done enough research. Every state has exemptions. We claim religious exemption and my son starts kindy tomorrow with no problems at all at registration.

Whatever you decide to do, it is important to know ALL the facts!

My kids never really had any reactions to their shots, except for a little crankiness and a fever. Make sure to have some baby Motrin or Tylenol on hand. My pediatritian told me to give that to them right when I got home to avoid the fever if one would develope. The area may be a little sore too. I am sure they will be ok.

S. Bailey CLD
Aurora
www.tendermomentsdoula.com

First, talk to your pediatrician before you go in. Call now and explain what your reactions have been. Depending on what they are scheduled to receive, your children's doctor may advise you to give them Motrin or something similar immediately before you come or immediately after. The worse shots are the DTP. My kids had swelling, soreness and redness at the site,as well as an overall "yucky" feeling. The other immunizations aren't bad... unless, you had a previous reaction. Best to talk to the doctor before the appointment and see what he/she advises.

My daughter went through the first set with no problems or reactions. The second set she got a fever and redness around the shot area. Talk to your Ped and make sure she tells you the possible reactions and how to take care of them. Mine told me about a cold compress for the area and give her some Tylonol. She was back to normal by the next day. Good luck! I know it was hard on me to have just one cry and get upset much less have two. You may want to take someone with you for support and assistance.

Just make sure you talk to your doctor about it and let your doctor know the reaction you have. But as you said the first round of shots went well so be positive that this round will be just as fine. I know with my little one who is 6 months old, my doctor tells me to give him Tylenol and hour before he gets his shots and then he gets it every six hours for 48 hours afterwards. To keep him comfie and help fight off the fever shots give.

I wish you the best with this.