chicken pox « Back to Group Discussions

[mamabelle]

Thoughts on exposing 10.5 month old to chicken pox?

I have lots of thoughts on this, but would love some help thinking this through. My kids are not vaccinated for CP and DS has not had them yet (he's 3). A nurse at our ped's office estimates the vaccine rate for CP to be ~50% in our community so I'm thinking there will be more opportunities... but I have come across conflicting information about babies (<1 year old) contracting it. Any experience or thoughts on this?

[KaliShanti]

No, I wonde that myself. None of my kids have had it. Ds is 5.5, dd is almost 3, and Noch is 10 months. I do t want the fi e yr old to get much older before trying to expose him...

[seraf]

Even if the vax rate was higher, old people get shingles and your kids have a chance to get it. My older kids were exposed years ago but didn't get it. Now we are holding off while the babies are babies. I question how much immunity a BF infant will develop on their own if they're also getting some of mom's immunity through milk. Anyone know? I do know a kid who caught chicken pox at 9 months from a recently vaxed kid and she was fine, but I still would prefer to play it safer.

[dashley111]

I had CP on my first birthday, while being breasted, and it was very mild.

I have exposed my kids to CP a few times and never had them contract it. I would expose B to it right now if I were to have the chance.

[mamabelle]

Thank you for the input! We are passing on this opportunity :) Trying to stay healthy for the busy birthday & holiday time just around the corner! Take care.