Daughter's First Vaccines

[puddin_pops_mama]

Today, my two-month-old daughter had her first vaccinations - HIB and DTaP. My husband and I decided to vaccinate her, but only on an alternative schedule. We're really anxious about vaccines, since our good friends have a son who suffered a vaccine-related injury (DTaP vaccine) that has resulted in his inability to eat, sit up or speak and causes multiple seizures daily.

Now I'm sitting by my daughter, unable to sleep. I think we made the right decision for us to vaccinate her (on the alternative schedule), but I can't bring myself to go to sleep.

Did anyone else go through this? How closely did you monitor your children after a vaccination?

[lismom2]

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...play.php?f=373
Many mama's are in your situation. It's hard to know what to do, and then when you question your decisions after you have made them. Hugs mama, I haven't been in this spot yet, but I sympathize and hope the above link helps!

[ra11en]

Every Mom that has vaccinated their LOs has gone through this.

You just can't know the future, so you can't know if there will be a rare side effect in your child. We have to make a decision we feel is best, and hope it turns out for the best. Its only one area of many that we have to do that as a parent.

The first couple times we vaccinated our DD I was a nervous wreck and monitored her non stop for days. Then it because less scary, and while I monitored very closely, it was usually for the first 24-48 hours and I was able to relax. And I didn't get all worked up prior to the appointment.

Do what you can to keep her comfortable - Tylenol, fluids, TLC - and just keep an eye on her. My DD never ran a fever, but its not uncommon to have a low grade fever after shots, just watch for a high or spiking fever. My DD got a knot on her thigh after one round, and I just massaged it with a warm wet wash cloth and it went away.

I'm sure you'll both be just fine.

[puddin_pops_mama]

Thanks for all the reassurance and information. I just go back and forth with our decision to vaccinate her. I think it's the best decision for her, but then I'll do a google search on vaccinating, and it's just about enough to make you lose your mind. I don't think I've ever agonized over a decision as much as I have with this one.

I was happy that I stayed strong and calm during the actual shots. The hardest part was afterwards, watching her and fretting that any odd behavior could be a sign of an adverse reaction. I'm hoping I'll get better about the process as she gets older.