2 Month Old shots - All 4 at once or split them up?

Hi, we just got back from our 1 month old appt and everything went well. We asked the doc about breaking up their 2 month old shots, due to increased speculation that they 'may' be a cause of autism, and it seems more parents are doing the same thing. She stated that we could do that but mentioned that it's difficult keeping everything scheduled, daycare may need them all done by such and such date, you'll feel like you're coming in more often, etc. So clearly, she didn't have a problem with them receiving all 4 on that appt, mentioning that the progression of shots is done with reason; to build upon their immunity levels as time progresses.

With our 4yr old we followed their plan with great results. Certainly not autistic (too loud for that...haha)

What have others done? Did you base it on if they were undersized/preemies or based of the autism implications?

The boys were both born around 7.5lbs and as of today both weigh over 10lbs. I'm not sure if that becomes a factor or not.....

Any further thoughts on what other parents have done is greatly appreciated.

~J

 

I think you have to do whatever you feel comfortable with and they will be fine whether you delay their shots or get them as scheduled.

The choice that was right for my family was to get all their shots on time, as scheduled.

 

I've heard its better to split them up this way you will know which one if any causes a reaction or not, for those deciding to vaccinate. I personally am not getting their shots until after one year of age or later, their brains develop the most in the first five years. I do think some of the vaccines are important when others like hep b and varcilla are kind of silly in my eyes. Theres this great website if your interested here's the link http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=109033006035&h=3gA76&u=lzzIo&ref=mf this is a great site that can answer your questions


"Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense." Buddah

 

We did all the vaxes on schedule. If that meant 4 at 2 months, that must have been what we did (though I don't remember). DH and I personally don't believe in the vax/autism connection, but that's a decision for everyone to make themselves.

 

i had a lot of anxiety about their first round of shots. i even switched pediatricians before the first round because the nurse basically told me i was an idiot and if i didn't vaccinate them they would get sick and die or have limbs amputated!!

i found The Vaccine Book, by Dr. Sears to be a GREAT resource. in it he goes over ALL the vaccines and their ingredients, potential side effects, manufacturers, preservatives, etc. he also has an alternate vaccine schedule in the back that might be helpful.

ultimately, i went ahead and did all the shots at the same time, but i did not have them get the rotavirus vaccine (oral, live vaccine) because i just didn't think it was necessary as they are not going to daycare..

good luck with your decision, it is all so confusing..

 

I recommend reading a variety of resources (incl. Dr. Sears but also others because his is only one educated opinion - there are many respected ones out there). Each school of thought makes very good points and the background knowledge may help you reach a decision. I would find "trusted" sources - not just random internet articles. I had a friend in the medical field that I had a long discussion with and felt the pros completely outweighted the possible cons - do you know anyone you can talk with? We did them on schedule. I personally don't believe the autism talk as there is no founded research to base this speculation on, but it is truely a hotly debated subject and I respect both sides. Good luck with your decision - it will be the right one if you feel good about it.

 

At our peds office they are getting teh shots "mixed" together or something of thet sort so Ty is never getting poked more then 2 times. I asked about getting the seperated and b/c they are "mixed" together they can no longer be seperated.

The boys had all their shots when they were supposed to and have no problems. Ty has also got all his shots when hes was supposed to and so far no problems. Hope there will not be any either.

 

That's a great quote!

I can only really tell you what we did, and that was vaccinate on schedule with all of the kids. No issues here.

 

Everything you wanted to know about vaccines link from the Health Issues and Special Needs forum.

 

Our boys were born really early-28 weeks and weight 2 lbs...and the docs wantede to give them the regular schedule. We were'nt too happy about that. Although I don't necessarily thinks vaccines cause autism (and I do believe everyone shoudlk get their kids vaccinated)..i do think there is something to say abou tthe number of vacs given today versus when we were born--and the huge increase in all kinds of learning problems, autism, etc. anyway, we split up the shots, so we did them, just 2 at a time and a month apart. We also didn't do rota or the HepB. We will do hep B eventually, but we just thought we could wait on that--considering I have gotten that as an adult. We will do it before they start school. Otherwise we have gotten everything else.

 

We're splitting our babies' shots up, especially since they stay home with me all the time. I definitely believe it's important to vaccinate, but because they aren't exposed to much on a regular basis we are going to take our time. Potential autism risk aside, some babies develop allergic reactions to vaccines and if you break them up, you are able to identify the shot caused that reaction. This would of course be beneficial to know down the line.

Do what you feel is right for your babies. Our doctor (whom we do not see any more) basically looked at us like we were idiots for making this choice but my husband and I are the only ones who are going to make a decision that's in the best interest of our children. Not because it's routine, scheduled or protocol and that is truly why many doctors push vaccinations the way they do. We gave our babies the dtap only at their 4 month check up and because we opted to give them one shot only there was no fever, irritability, or other common side effects from shots. Just something to consider...good luck!

 

This is such a tough one. With my started, we have her on a VERY Slow vaccination schedule, that we wrote ourselves. She isn't in daycare or preschool yet, so we feel confident that she won't be exposed or expose anyone else to anything she catches. It's hard to know which "scholar" or "scientist" is right. So many different opinions, from so many different well funded sources. We plan to slow/delay vaccinate the twins. BUT we probably will wait until they are closer to a year old or maybe 9 months. Not sure yet. My husband is much more into vaccines than I am. I am much more paranoid of not only autism, but of the other many problems blamed on vaccines like diabetes, cancer, learning disabilities, etc...

Again, agree with the other posters.... such a personal choice.

 

Mine were born at 32 weeks and we vaccinated on an actual age schedule. We did the rotavirus one too. The only one we delayed was the MMR from 12 months to 15 months. GL with your decision.

 

We waited until the girls were 4 months to start, and we did only selected vaccines, one at a time. So, we usually end up going in once a month - not to see the doc, but just to get a shot. I am not convinced of the autism/vaccine link, but I am also certain that they don't really need all the "scheduled" vaccines. We won't be doing the MMR or chicken pox vaccines after a year.

I'd agree with all the PPs - do your research, and do what you feel is best for your family. Congrats on your twins!

 

I vaccinated all my kids on schedule with no problems. Personally, I was always more afraid of the illnesses themselves than the possible side effects of the vaccines, but it's a decision you have to weigh out yourself & do whatever feels right for you & your family! :hug:

 

That's what we did, vaccinated all my kids on schedule with no problems so far. I also don't believe the vaccination/autism link but I can definetly see how it's a concern because of the timing of vaccinations and autism diagnosis's. For us, the right decision was on time!

 

We split the 2 month shots into 2 at 2 months and 2 at 3 months only because Aurora did not have enough room on her leg at the 2 month visit and we wanted to keep the girls on the same shot schedule. It was no more trouble taking the girls in at 3 months and I had plenty of questions and was glad to go to the pedi at 3 months anyhow. They will get the rest of their shots as scheduled.

 

We split the vaccines into two appointmemnts. I am very glad that I did because they were so tired after the first appointment. I mean they slept almost for a full day. We did do Hep B and Rotavirus. DH and I come into contact with the low end of the population in our society. There is a lot of Hepatitis out there and that is the one to be afraid of. Anywho, it really is a personal decision. If you want to slowly vaccinate, then do so. I am glad that I did, I just did not want them to get poked more than twice.

Jenn

 

We delayed all of our children's shots until they were several months old, and with the twins I'm only letting them get 1 shot per visit. We're pretty behind the "schedule," but I think the thing with shots is they're not a one-size-fits-all thing like people tend to think of them. My children are very sensitive and I don't want to overwhelm their immune systems, so we're just taking it slow. Splitting up the shots allows their immune systems to slowly deal with one thing at a time, and also lets me observe their reactions to each thing. FWIW, I don't think vaccines cause autism, but I think it's possible that they could help trigger autism in certain people who are high risk or have it kind of dormant in their system. I don't believe my kids fit this category, but there's no harm in being cautious.

We delayed the MMR to 2 years old and then split it up into three separate shots with my oldest child and will do the same with the babies. I think that choice is slowly getting more popular.

 

We do the Sears schedule and are very happy with our choice. We didn't make this choice based on fears of autism, we based it on our research and gut feelings. We have concerns about our boys developing autoimmune issues, which run in both sides of the family. We decided to break up the shots up so that there is less of a strain on the immune system, which we believe may help keep our boys healthier in the long run. 4 at a time can be too much for some people.

 

We vaccinated completely on schedule with no problems at all.

Many people say, oh, we don't do daycare or preschool, so we don't need some vaccinations. My friends daughter didn't go to preschool until 4, and never went to daycare, and still got rotovirus. Unless you never leave the house, and never take the child out of the house, they can still be exposed in the grocery store, mommy and me classes, the doctors office, playground, older siblings, etc. I am not pointing this out to scare anyone, but just to keep people aware that illnesses don't only lurk in daycare and preschool, they can be anywhere.

As an aside, our school was hit by the H1N1 virus (one girl had it, and was out of school for a full week before it was confirmed). The teachers and custodians wiped everything down as soon as it was confirmed, and the parents of the school notified. About 1/3 of the parents kept their kids home on that Friday due to fear of catching it--many went to the movies (which is a place more likely to hold the infection than the school). Anyway, one of my freinds kept her son out on Friday "to be safe". On Sunday, he was sick with a fever and had to miss the next week of school. My point is, her "protection" didn't do him a bit of good.