Dr Sears
My 5 yr old son has had all 4 previous DTaPs, the last one being at age 20 months. I had planned on getting him the last one at his wellness appointment this Thursday. He has not had any shots in 2 years so I am concerned and nervous bec we have been stretching his vaxes out as much as possible and when one finally does come up so do the old concerns. Is there any more worry with the DTaP at this age more so than when he was younger? Is it a safe vax in your opinion? Is it one you recommend? (I have read your book btw) How important is this 5th booster? Also, when would the tetanus part of the DTaP expire from the last DTaP he got and how many shots does it take to get full tetanus protection? We spend a lot of time outdoors in rustic environments. Also, I think there has been more pertussis lately in my state (Idaho). Is this concerning? Part of me wants to go ahead and get the shot so he is protected from what he needs to be but vaccines in general make me worry. He is currently a healthy child and I don't want to do anything to put him at risk.
Thanks so much for your time.
Emily Ray
Edited by emilyray - 8/14/12 at 8:07pm
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