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Child vaccinations and interferon

My twins are due for some vaccinations next month.  They're getting the MMR (I think) and the chicken pox vaccine.  The pedi mentioned today that we may need to hold off because of my treatment.  He said the vaccines are live viruses.  I've already had chicken pox and I'd sure hate to develop a case of shingles on top of treatment.  

Anybody know anything about this issue?
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Avatar universal
Glad you were able to make a decision you were comfortable with! :)
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Avatar universal
I think you made the right decision, and it does sound like some of the posters know something about this - more than me anyway!!! I am sure you, and your babies, will be fine.

Best of luck

xx
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Avatar universal
The nurse called back to say that the babies can go ahead and get their shots.  I'm a little nervous bc of the conflicting opinions of the doctors.  I really feel like it is important for my children to have their shots so I'm gonna go for it.
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Avatar universal
Honestly I didn't notice the thread get too far off base - we are ALWAYS going to have opinions and we ALWAYS spout off and talk about them because well that is what we do in here.

But we've always been able to agree to disagree no matter what our side or position.

That makes us cool.  I don't mind if people want to say their "side" and if it bugs me I just skip it and move on - unless I think I have something really pertinant to say.


I've been vaccinated three times since I've been on treatment with other hep vaccines...my thinking is if there was any problem at all they would NOT give us "FLU SHOTS" or Hepa.b vaccines.

But since they DO - there is no worry or it would be for ALL vaccines.

I think we can OVER WORRY about little things and would never really want to put my kids health off for some little naggling worry that most likely is unfounded going by the rest of the "vaccines".  Did that make sense?
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Avatar universal
I'll check back in tomorrow!  LOL about the babycenter thing.  That's why I dropped it, considering this isn't a vax board or anything :)  Anyway, curious what your doc says!
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Avatar universal
Hi there!  I haven't been around in a while, but popped on today and saw this post.
My 2 year old still needs her MMR and chicken pox vax as well.  I have decided to hold off until I am done with tx.  I am a little concerned that since it is a live vax it is easier for me to pick something up from it.  More importantly though, MMR and Chix Pox have a VERY high reaction rate because they are live vaxes and I just KNOW I don't have the energy to deal with a sick kiddo right now.  So, that is my personal experience and decision to hold off! :)  Let me know what you decide!
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Avatar universal
I forgot to add to my post that my babies are scheduled to start a mother's day out program at the end of May and I think they have to be up to date on their shots.  I think the chicken pox one can be put off but I don't know about the MMR.
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Avatar universal
Well, I have been immunized and had chicken pox.  I know it is possible to get shingles even if you've already had the pox.

I am very strict and adament that my kids have their vaccinations but, if there is a chance that I could get sick and screw up my treatment, I think it will be ok if they wait a while.  

I guess I need to make some phone calls.  If the mother's day out program says they can wait and my hep doc says we should wait on them, I will wait.  If my doctor gives the go ahead, I will go ahead and give my ***** the shots.

I guess I could always arrange the shots for a Friday and send my babies to MIL's house for the weekend.  I wonder how long I would be at risk?
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Avatar universal
LOL  The **** in my last post was the word b a b e s

I didn't know that was a dirty word.
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Avatar universal
LOL that is funny.  I know I don't always call my sweet girl endearing names, but I was trying to figure out exactly what you were calling them! :)
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Avatar universal
hi,

Lots of good advice given so far, all I can add is my own experience. When my kids were having their vaccines the doc said to be very careful (wash hands etc) when changing nappies (diapers I think for my US friends), as the live parts of the vaccines can be passed in a nappy direction!! i did not even know I had HCV then and it is a general caution to parents/carers over here.

hope you work out a decision you are happy with

xx
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Avatar universal
This is a topic near and dear to my heart (well vaccinations in general) and I know you will do your own research and come to your own conclusions :)  Just wanted to throw that out there because it is hard sometimes to keep from getting wrapped up in what other people think.  The important thing is to do your OWN research, even beyond talking to their ped.  :)
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Avatar universal
I gave my hep doc a call and the nurse is going to let me know tomorrow.  Since this is a subject that we all seem confused about, please check back tomorrow for an update.

Can we PLEEEEEEEEEEASSSSSSSse not turn this into an immunization vs. not immunizing debate.  If I want that headache, I'll head over to babycenter. LOL
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Avatar universal
I did some looking around the website you posted.  Check this out:

"When to Delay or Avoid the Immunization (MMR)

if your child is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization
if your child has an allergy to eggs, gelatin, or to the antibiotic neomycin that has required medical treatment
if your child has received gamma globulin
if your child has immune system problems related to cancer, leukemia, or lymphoma
if your child is taking prednisone, steroids, or immunosuppressive drugs
if your child is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy "

This makes me a bit concerned.  Just thought I'd post this.  I'll be back tomorrow with an update from the doctor.
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Avatar universal
The issue is whether or not I could get sick from my children's vaccination while on treatment.  Not whether they will be vaccinated or not.  They will be vaccinated. The question is when.

Please, Please, I don't want this debate.
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Avatar universal
You were only trying to help, why someone opens a thread and ask a question then blows everybody off is unreal.

Rock on rocker
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Avatar universal
This suggests it's OK for the kids to be vaccinated while you're treating. See section "vaccine safety"
http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/ccjm/december2002/sabella.htm

Perhaps your doctor is being overly cautious, or maybe he has other information. I think asking your doctor direct is the best start. If they give one of their usual answers which usually translate to "trust me I'm your doctor" then I suggest you do more research on your own.

All the best.

-- Jim
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Avatar universal
Nice, can-do. very nice.  I'm not blowing anybody off.  I simply don't want to argue about whether children should be vaccinated or not.  His post has nothing to do with my question.

JmJm, thanks for the link.
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Avatar universal
alady says........LOL The **** in my last post was the word b a b e s

I didn't know that was a dirty word.
---------------------------------------------------------------

could be if their in diapers. The words that get censored. LOL
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Avatar universal
I don't think it makes that much sense to me at all and I would really find out before I held my kids up on their really important shots.

I mean yeah OUR immune systems are compromised but if you have had the shots already or the disease you have immunity built up and really have you EVER heard of anyone getting the mumps from their child's vaccine? IN all my life I have NEVER heard that.

I would get them their shot - more than ANYTHING for their safety. Right now there are REPORTED CASES OF MUMPS IN THE COUNTRY and I would think I would take MY chances tough luck to protect my kids.

Honestly I wouldn't even think about myself and would tell my doctor so, just give the vaccine I am not going off their schedule for a fear for me, especially one with such an outside chance.

But thats just MY opinion.

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Avatar universal
Yes, because the vax's are live, the children have a much greater likelihood of having a reaction. ie. most children who receive the chicken pox vax get a MILD case of chicken pox.  Because our immune system is compromised, if our kiddos do have that mild case of the chicken pox, it is much more likely that we would "catch it" (or shingles etc. etc.).  Not worth the risk IMO.
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Avatar universal
Thanks guys.  I'm planning on asking my hep doc when I see him but I figured some of you would have an answer for me more quickly.
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Avatar universal
You should be able to get an exemption for those vaccinations so that your children can still be in the mom's day out program!  It is VERY common to hold off on those two particular vaccinations.  I am not sure what part of the country you are in, but here in MA, you HAVE to be allowed a philosophical/religious exemption in those circumstances.  That will buy you time until you feel up to having them vaccinated!  Good luck!
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