Talk to me about risks with combo vaccines

[babygirlsmama]

I'm new to the whole vax issue, but I have the impression that many folks don't vax or selectively vax to avoid bombarding the young immune system. I see that Dr. Bob Sears says he doesn't use comb vaccines at his office.

For those of you who wouldn't use combo vaccines (or would spread them out), what is the basis? It seems to make sense, I am looking for more info.

I'm specifically thinking about the combo vaccines that contain Dtap.

Thanks!

[carriebft]

We are still researching this issue. The biggest concern for us has been that if you get a reaction, you will not know which component the child reacted to. Also, some combination vaccines are only licensed for certain doses, so you may end up needing to get the singles later or for earlier doses.

Some combination vaccines include the singles with the lowest amount of "stuff" in them. For example, combos with ACTHib in them contain the brand with the lowest aluminum count - which is none. On the other hand, something like pentacel's DTaP component doesn't necessarily have "the least stuff" in it. Pentacel contains DAPTACEL as it's DTaP, which has .33 mcg aluminum. You could conceivably get less aluminum by going with the single brand tripedia which I believe is closer to .2 mcg aluminum.