3 y/o probably exposed to german measles yesterday, should I get her MMR shot?

[wanderinggypsy]

My almost 3 y/o dd was probably exposed to german measles (rubella) yesterday. She has not had ANY vaccines yet. I am kind of considering getting her shot today for MMR.

My point of concern: She's just getting over a gastro-bug, something viral.

What do you suggest?

Thanks!!!!!!

[AFWife]

If she was exposed AND she's getting over something...I wouldn't add to it by giving her body even more to fight. If you give her the MMR she'll be fighting the gastro-bug and the rubella PLUS Measles and Mumps. Besides, if she already got exposed isn't it too late to "protect" her?

[laohaire]

Too late for that, if she already has rubella.

I'd just be happy about her having rubella, if she does. It's not a big deal. The issue with rubella is that you don't want a pregnant woman having it. If she has it as a kid, one less thing to worry about.

[Emmeline II]

No.

1. She is already exposed; getting her vaccinated will not "undue" that.
2. It is a live vaccine containing three viruses.
3. Rubella is given to "protect" the pregnant women from being exposed, not because it is particularly harmful to children.

[stiss]

Originally Posted by AFWife

If she was exposed AND she's getting over something...I wouldn't add to it by giving her body even more to fight. If you give her the MMR she'll be fighting the gastro-bug and the rubella PLUS Measles and Mumps. Besides, if she already got exposed isn't it too late to "protect" her?

Agreed. I'd just keep her away from anyone who's pregnant, and if she is sick, I'd keep her at home until she's well. I hope she's on the mend soon!

[irony_optional]

Please keep her away from anyone who is pregnant. If the pregnant woman doesn't have immunity, it can be devastating to her fetus, causing miscarriage, deafness, deformities, and more.

[Arduinna]

no. And just because she was exposed doesn't mean she will get sick. Although I agree with PP I would keep her away from pregnant women until you know if she is sick or not.

[MissRubyandKen]

I wouldn't. I would keep her home, stay home myself ( I am the primary care giver), and allow no visitors until the expected time frame passes. But that's just me. I wouldn't want to take the slimmest chance.

[newmum35]

Originally Posted by irony_optional

Please keep her away from anyone who is pregnant. If the pregnant woman doesn't have immunity, it can be devastating to her fetus, causing miscarriage, deafness, deformities, and more.

From my understanding & research this is only true during a specific (& very short) timeframe in the 1st trimester AND ONLY IF the pregnant woman is deficient in vitamin A. It is not a guarantee.

That is not to minimize the potential risk, but just to put it in perspective & add to discussion on this topic, since nobody brought this up yet.

[Candlelynn]

Check into it

Immunizations can decrease your immune response for around 5 -6 weeks. I would give her immune system a chance to fight anything that she's run into. We are designed to seek, identify and destroy any invaders. Our immune system is amazing. So after awhile your can look into the pros and cons of MMR shot. Mabye someone can post and unbias, third party, informative website?

[FernG]

I agree with all the PPs. I would for my DD to have natural immunity. I bet you don't live close enough to me for that.

[claddaghmom]

Wow I think you are lucky. That is a good time to catch it. Any younger and it's a pain in the butt to have a non-verbal sick baby. Older and it interrupts school/social life.

[JMJ]

Remember that rubella viruses can shed for a while after she has it. I don't remember the specifics and don't have the time to look it up right now, but you might want to check that out and keep her away from pregnant women for a while even after she's better.