Husband HAS to get MMR for wk--could he shed out anything to our unvaccinated 23 month old?

[TexasG]

My husband just got a new job at a hospital, and they did titers along with his physical, and they told him today that he is "low on his MMR titer, and now he HAS to get an MMR vaccine"  Our 23 month old is unvaccinated and now I am wondering--do I need to worry about the shedding of the virus-dad is very hands on.  HE told the nurse about our son, and his concern with the shedding, and of course she had no idea what he was talking about and told him she would ask around, but most likely he will not be able to get out of this.  Has this happened to anyone?  HAs anyone gotten MEasle Mumps of Rubella from shedding?  What should I do?  Thanks in advance--I am freaked out!!!

[member234098]

Ask your ob/gyn.  Is s/he up to date on his MMR boosters?

[Lazy Gardens]

MMR is made with live, attenuated (deliberately weakened variety) viruses, so there is a chance your husband may shed some virus particles.

However, the chances of your unvaccinated child being infected and harmed by attenuated virus particles shed by your DH are far lower (basically zero) than the chances of him being harmed by any wild viruses that may be circulating in the community.

If you are freaking out about the MMR shedding viruses, why are you not equally freaked out by the possibility of a far more virulent wild virus infection?

[Bokonon]

Originally Posted by Lazy Gardens 

MMR is made with live, attenuated (deliberately weakened variety) viruses, so there is a chance your husband may shed some virus particles.

However, the chances of your unvaccinated child being infected and harmed by attenuated virus particles shed by your DH are far lower (basically zero) than the chances of him being harmed by any wild viruses that may be circulating in the community.

If you are freaking out about the MMR shedding viruses, why are you not equally freaked out by the possibility of a far more virulent wild virus infection?

Well, since this is the "I'm Not Vaccinating" forum, I'd assume that the OP is more concerned about the risks of the vaccines themselves than the actual viruses.

[grumpybear]

I kind of see Lazy Gardens' point. Because for us, when we weighed the risks between vaccinating and not vaccinating, it was more of a risk of the ill-effects of vaccines vs getting the disease itself. I had to assume that whatever we don't vaccinate for (or delay vax for), that my children can get the disease at any given time. So when my 5 year old finally got the MMR, I did not find cause for worry that my 19month old might get something through shedding because that is a risk that I have chosen to take when I decided to delay vax for my children. It is a moot point, so to speak.

[TexasG]

I do worry about him getting measles sometimes, but not on a daily basis or anything like that, just a concern sometimes when I hear about outbreaks.I feel like that is the chance I take not giving the vaccine.  I am more worried about the vaccine.  He has some sensory issues already and am not willing to risk it.  But, I was not sure how the shedding thing worked, and thought that he might have a bigger chance getting it from someone who is constantly kissing him, eating with him and sneezing near him( husband has some seasonal allergies and is a frequent sneezer), if the shedding was a problem.  Just wanted some info about shedding.

[Marnica]

I believe the shedding is an issue with the Rubella portion of the MMR. Shedding for Measles has been deemed "theoretically possible" by the CDC. Meaning that while it's possible - there have been no documented cases that they are aware of.

Not sure that makes you feel better.

My DS has been in daycare since he was 3 months old. I know he's been around a bunch of kids who have gotten the MMR.

[Treece]

If your husband does not want to be vaxed, check this page out: http://www.vaclib.org/exemption.htm OSHA allows exemptions.

[Marnica]

Originally Posted by Treece 

If your husband does not want to be vaxed, check this page out: http://www.vaclib.org/exemption.htm OSHA allows exemptions.

OSHA's exemption only applies to the Hepatitis B vaccine