stopping DTaP after one dose...

[katmtb]

My DS got the first DTaP shot when he was 2 months old. I had decided to decline all other vaccinations but to go for the one because we will be living in Albania for a year and there are still Diptheria outbreaks there. Now DS is 6 months and we're supposed to get the second shot this week. I'm seriously questioning my decision. Does the one shot he received give him any protection? I was thinking of just stopping now...

[Turquesa]

Have you checked on the number of cases? The Health and Consumers Directorate-General of the European Commission reports a really low number of diphtheria cases in Albania . (Sorry, you'll have to scan with your eyes. The countries aren't entirely in alphabetical order). The latest figures are for 2005--zero cases total--but you may want to see if you find more recent data. I believe that the last outbreak in the area occurred in the 1990s. The WHO cite would be helpful for this if only it were halfway navigable! : My point is that considering that you're staying for only a year, the data will probably validate your decision not to continue with the DTaP series. Good luck in your decision.

[Marnica]

IF you are worried about Diptheria outbreaks (if you can verify that there are outbreaks in the region where you will be living) than perhaps consider getting the DT. The pertussis component of the DTaP is the most reactive and causes the majority of the reactions (or so it is believed)

If there are no current outbreaks in the area of Albania that you will be (but maybe in other parts of the country) I would skip it.

[katmtb]

thanks! I will definitely look for more recent numbers. And that is a good point about just getting a DT -- I had forgotten about that option...

[kiara7]

I think DT is for 7 yo. and over, no?

[Marnica]

Originally Posted by kiara7

I think DT is for 7 yo. and over, no?

There is a pediatric formula for kids under 7. Its the DT It's the td that is given to those over 7 as boosters.

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/tetanus/default.htm

There are four combination vaccines used to prevent diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis: DTaP, Tdap, DT, and Td. Two of these (DTaP and DT) are given to children younger than 7 years of age, and two (Tdap and Td) are given to older children and adults.

[kiara7]

Thanks, Marnica!

We don't vax, so I don't really care, but good to know that there are plenty of options, lol.