I want to start vaccinating, but I'm feeling totally overwhelmed.

[liliaceae]

I have a 6 year old who was fully vaccinated until 6 months of age, and an almost 4 year old who is totally unvaccinated. I want to start vaccinating, but I don't know where to begin. I know I want them to get dtap and mmr, and I want my 4 year old to be vaxed against anything affecting the lungs, as hers seem to be susceptible to secondary infection.

I'd like to do shots one at a time, but how much time should I allow between shots? Should I finish a series before starting another vax, or alternate the vaxes they receive? Should I get less reactive vaccines first, or just start with dtap for the 4 y/o and mmr for the 6 y/o? Can anyone give me advice, or resources, or share your experience with me? I truly appreciate any help you can give me, I'm kind of freaking out about all this.

[prosciencemum]

It must be a tough call. I think I'd do one at a time, partly to be sure to know what a reaction is to, but mostly for your children - getting lots of shots at once is probably stressful for them at this age.

Hope it goes ok.

[Rrrrrachel]

I think the amount of time between and how many to do at once depends on balancing reactions with convenience. Some shots are more reactive than others and I don't mind pairing them up. As you go along you might feel more comfortable, too. I think even two weeks between is plenty, but you may not want to go back that often.

[Rrrrrachel]

And I think alternating is fine. If you wait to finish a series before you start another they're going to be dragged out forever!