Here is what is considered the traditional vaccine schedule:
1-2 months
- Hep B: Second dose should be administered 1 to 2 months after the first dose.
2 months
- DTaP: Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine
- Hib: Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine
- IPV: Inactivated poliovirus vaccine
- PCV: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
- Rota: Rotavirus vaccine
4 months
- DTaP
- Hib
- IPV
- PCV
- Rota
6 months
- DTaP
- Hib
- PCV
- Rota
My daughter received her first set of vaccines, this included the Rotavirus vaccine. Although, the Pediatrician never expressed any concern for my daughters Acid Reflux, I should have been extremely concerned.
At birth, due to the antibodies passed through the placenta from the mother, most infants are protected from most viruses. Breastfed infants continue to receive these antibodies through the breast milk. In the majority of cases this is temporary and the requirement of vaccines are needed.
Immunization (vaccination) is a pretty basic way to assist the body in creating an immunity to certain diseases. This is generally done by injecting a small amounts of a dead or weak microorganism that cause the particular disease or virus. In many cases this microorganism can create a negative reaction but in most cases its rare.
Vaccines help in stimulating the immune system causing a real interaction helping the body to fend off the "infection" and remember organisms associated with the immunized illness.
Many parents are hesitant to have their children vaccinated because of the worry of negative reactions. I was one of those parents. Ultimately I gave in after assessing the risk versus benefits, and of course my daughter turned out to be among the few that had a negative reaction. She suffers from severe acid reflux. As a result, she had a negative reaction to the Rotovirus vaccine. I ended up with a wonderful two day stay in the hospital where she was treated for vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Talk about scary. She's still battling this reaction as I type, now being exactly one week later.
I spoke to several physicians and they brought to my attention that a child who suffers from severe reflux should not receive the Rotavirus Vaccine. I wish I would have known this prior to the vaccine. They also suggested that it is best practice if you space your vaccines out; every two weeks.
For the first time I realized how being a New Mommy is all about learning on the fly. This is a prime example of just this philosophy.
My advice as always is do your research and ask more than one physician. Make sure you check the current health concerns of your child and match them to the vaccines they will be receiving. It's better to be safe and aware than sorry and sitting in a hospital.
As always I never claim to be an expert just a New Mommy who is discovering that she Knows Best!!
Information on the new Rotavirus Vaccine
Spacing out Vaccinations
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