DTAP VACCINE???

Were concerned about combination vaccine DTAP and possible connection to developmental disabilities?  Has anyone found a way to get single doses of these vaccine versus combination shot?  Anyone else have this concern?  

[AnnieBrooke]

I have the concern and have not yet broached the subject with my son's pediatrician.  I would bet that a parent who insists, can get the single doses instead of the combination.  In the meantime, do what you can to build up your child's immune system, including taking a lot of vitamin C if you are breastfeeding.  

[tomel]

Im pretty sure you can get individual...also wait till latest possible age they can get them

[AnnieBrooke]

Does anyone happen to know how long you can go between the second and third shots?  We got concerned after my son reacted rather poorly to his 4-month shots, which were his second batch.  I've elected to delay and pick up his third round at about 9 or 10 months, not the 6 our HMO recommends.  Do you know if the pediatrician will deem that he needs to start all of them again if we have a 4- or 5-month lag in between the last two sets?

[AndiJ78]

The risk of diptheria is low, generally the risk for tetanus is low as well, but especially for Brooke, make sure he gets his pertussis. I am sure you see the frequent outbreaks of whooping cough in the Pacific Northwest and infancy is a very vulnerable time to get it and can often have catastrophic effects. I can vividly remember twice a year hearing of massive outbreaks in WA and ID where one kid had it, went to Chuck E Cheese (or some other popular location) and suddenly there would be an outbreak amongst the kids who weren't vaccinated.

My kids have never reacted poorly to their vaccinations, despite my sister reacting to her MMR back in the early 70's. I haven't had a reason to delay, but can understand the desire to do so.

[AnnieBrooke]

Well, I wasn't planning to skip them, was just wondering how far out I could spread them without triggering a whole new round, per protocol at our HMO.  Augie is still breastfeeding, so he gest some protection from some things.  Before winter I plan to protect him against pertussis, and probably the whole set.  I think they vaccinate a little soon, is all.