combo shot

[Altair]

I'm debating about the combo shot that includes polio, Hib, and Dpt. Those are the only 3 I want to do before 18 months. I'm deciding whether to combine them (less preservatives, less shots) or space them out.

any thoughts? my family doctor is open to anything.

[carriebft]

Maybe try to think of the pros and cons you see with the singles and the combo. some to think about:

pro
- less visits
- less cost? (copays?)
- less pain for child/less needles
- quicker protection- all done at once

cons
-can't tell which part of vaccine caused reaction if it happens
-possible that hib part of vaccine will not be as effective (some studies show that, when given in combo, it doesn't create as good immunity-- not sure if this is specific to certain combos though)
-possible over vaccination? if you need 4 dtaps but only 3 hibs, then you are getting extra hib if you go in combo?

[JBaxter]

Thats a lot to dump into a little ones system in one day HiB Polio DTaP. thats 5 vaccines. My peds office only carries the combo shots and when we start to vax DS4 I will have to have the pharmacy order the individual vaccines for me.

[Altair]

i know it's a lot at once-- but if I space them out then it's more preservatives. Not sure which part I think is worse.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

If he heaven forbid did react there would be no way to know which caused the issue. That outweighs the preservative issue for me.