Considering a few vaccines - Page 2

[Emmeline II]

Originally Posted by theretohere

It does cross my mind to be worried, but I have no other hospital choice, especially not in an emergency. Literally. I have a clinic in town and the nearest actual hospital is 30+ miles away. I can't drive that in an emergency and there are no paramedics in my county.

Viral Hepatitis B, 2007 Minnesota

http://www.hepb.org/hepb/transmission.htm

Hepatitis Bis transmitted through blood and infected bodily fluids. This can occur through:

• direct blood-to-blood contact
• unprotected sex
• unsterile needles
• from an infected woman to her newborn during the delivery process.

Hepatitis B is NOT transmitted casually. It cannot be spread through sneezing, coughing, hugging or eating food prepared by someone who is infected with hepatitis B. Everyone is at some risk for a hepatitis B infection, but some groups are at higher risk because of their occupation or life choices.

[Jwebbal]

From the above link

Two (8%) of the 25 total case-patients reported having household contact with a known carrier of hepatitis B (HBsAg). No risk factor was identified for eight (32%) cases.

[Marnica]

To the OP, I am not suprised your MD has "cleared" your child for vaccinations, but keep in mind that there are ZERO safety studies done on ANY vaccinations on children with seizure disorders. ZILCH NONE NADA.

I hear you are concerned about your LO getting Hep (although seems unlikely), but aren't you concerned about reactions given that your child already has a seizure disorder??

[theretohere]

Originally Posted by Marnica

To the OP, I am not suprised your MD has "cleared" your child for vaccinations, but keep in mind that there are ZERO safety studies done on ANY vaccinations on children with seizure disorders. ZILCH NONE NADA.

I hear you are concerned about your LO getting Hep (although seems unlikely), but aren't you concerned about reactions given that your child already has a seizure disorder??

I am concerned about reactions.

[FernG]

What am I missing about Hep A

I am under the impression that hep A is usually harmless in children and that it is better for them to build immunity to it by naturally contracting it. Is there a special circumstance that would make vomiting and possibly mild jaundice dangerous for your child? I was under the impression that the main complication from hep A is dehydration, which is easily treatable.

[Jwebbal]

Hepatitis A is usually a pretty benign illness in children, however, it is easily passed on to adults who can become very ill. I have experienced Hep A myself, something I don't wish on anyone.

[FernG]

I know it can be serious in adults, which is exactly why I thought it was best to get it over with during childhood.

[Jwebbal]

But most children in the US do not contract Hep A, there are only a handful of states where there are high enough numbers to recommend vaccination, and even in those states the rate is very low. All this to say, Hep A infection is rare in children, much more likely in adults where of course the infection is more troublesome. Not arguing the child should get this vaccine mind you, but for my own child, definitely something I will look at him getting when he is older.

[Jugs]

But most children in the US do not contract Hep A, there are only a handful of states where there are high enough numbers to recommend vaccination, and even in those states the rate is very low. All this to say, Hep A infection is rare in children, much more likely in adults where of course the infection is more troublesome. Not arguing the child should get this vaccine mind you, but for my own child, definitely something I will look at him getting when he is older.

I do have to question how rare hep A in children actually is; just because it isn't reported doesn't mean it isn't happening. From the Pink Book:

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pin...s/hepa-508.pdf
In children younger than 6 years of age, most (70%) infections are asymptomatic.

So it stands to reason that 70% of childhood hep A infections go unreported because there is no inkling that the child even has it.

[carriebft]

Originally Posted by theretohere

For DD2. She's currently completely unvaccinated and will be turning 2 in a few weeks.
I'm strongly considering at least getting Hep B, Hep A, and Polio.

She does have a seizure disorder but has been cleared by the neuro to get vaccinated. Are there any others that I should add to the list to research?

It seems you have really looked into the Heps and have a travel reason to bring you to Polio, but have you already excluded the others?

If you haven't excluded them already, I would just go through them all, if it's something you are looking in to anyway. If I was starting from two, I would look into DTaP, Hib, Prevnar, MMR, and chicken pox...I'd probably look at the diseases, decide if it's something I possibly want protection from then look at the vaccines.

If my child spent long periods in the hospital or was there a lot, I would consider Hep B earlier possibly since it would be increased risk, so I can see where you are coming from on that.

[carriebft]

Originally Posted by Jugs

I do have to question how rare hep A in children actually is; just because it isn't reported doesn't mean it isn't happening. From the Pink Book:

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pin...s/hepa-508.pdf
In children younger than 6 years of age, most (70%) infections are asymptomatic.

So it stands to reason that 70% of childhood hep A infections go unreported because there is no inkling that the child even has it.

30% is a large number to be symptomatic when you consider the symptoms of Hep A. I have seen this info before and it has always been troubling to me, especially the length of sickness and the relapse potential. but I have found very little to really back up these numbers...

Hep A is one that seems to have so many claims on both sides and very little evidence on either. I think that's one of the main reasons we just don't do it.

[Jugs]

I agree; I don't see how they can accurately determine the effectiveness (or even the usefulness) of a vaccine for an infection you likely wouldn't even know you had.