Should my school-aged dd get fully vaccinated to protect my newborn?

[Dandelionkid]

My dd is 7 and has had 3 DPTP shots and that's it. I know she is due for another shot for pertussis and needs her first MMR. She is going to a somewhat alternative school in the fall (larger population of unvaxed kids probably), first school experience.  I am also due in September with our 4th baby. The other kids aren't in a school or daycare setting. Should my oldest get any shots between now and then to protect the new baby?

Thank-you!!

[DrBobSears]

I'd say the only disease that she could bring home to the baby that could be risky would be pertussis. She would need a dose of the Tdap vaccine to provide that coverage.  It's not a big risk, but that's the only one you'd need to consider as far as the baby goes.

[luvymommy]

I'm a Registerd Nurse in a pediatric office and I'm a delayed/ space out the vaccine advocate.  My daughter is almost 3 and has had most of her vaccines. That being said, I think as long as you are breastfeeding exclusively, the most important one to get is the DTaP booster.  Because, even breastfed babies can and do get pertussis and die from it.  Pertussis is a BIG deal, especially if your kids are around other unvaccinated kids. If you want good info about vaccine-preventable diseases, I recommend the Dr. Sears Vaccine Book. Oh, and you and other adults around your infant need the Pertussis booster too.  Good luck!  I know the vaccine decisions can be difficult.