Going to Mexico w/ unvaxed kids?

[MAMA-J]

We are planning a month long trip to Mexico and at somepoint extended travelling through Mexico and south. My kids aren't vaxed and my DH feels we should vax for somethings before we go. So I begin my research....
Any input, info etc would be greatly appreciated. I know as they get older we will be travelling to all parts of the world.

Any other travelling families with unvaxed kids?

Thanks
mama-j

[Tracy]

I am sure we will be going to mexico since my dh's family belongs to a club there. Our ds is not vaxed and we won't be doing it.

here's a good thread for more data:

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...ghlight=mexico

[ma2maya]

Having lived in Southern Mexico and my DD being born there, my suggestion is not to worry. Though my DD did get the intitial vaxes when she was born(Mex. gov't is even more neurotic about vaxes than U.S.) I don't plan to do any more vaxing even when we go back for extended visits.

I think the vaxes most people are concerned about are ones like Malaria, and to be honest, it really isn't a problem there. I was constantly traveling in and out of the rainforest and never heard of any issues.

The health issues you would be concerned about ,like Monteczuma's Revenge aren't even vaxable(word?). Just be sensible about the water you drink. Obviously, don't drink it, but brushing your teeth with faucet water was never an issue for me or most people. Also realize that your gut will go through an adjustment period, so expect some poopy issues right at the beginning. Its just your gut adjusting to the flore in the water.

Have fun and if you need a personal guide PM me(LOL!)
Kathy

[Cutie Patootie]

We went to Mexico with our then 5 month old who is unvaxed. We drank only bottled water, and kept ds covered to keep away from pesky bug bites. All in all, I wasn't concerned. Have a great trip!

[Eggie]

I'm Mexican and lived there all my life until 2 years ago. I wouldn't worry if you keep your kids drinking bottled water (because of the Moctezuma revenge ) and away from street vendors stands. There are big vax campaigns now there and most of the kids, even the ones that live on the streets are vaccinated now, which in my point of view, was perfect for a 3rd world country. Enjoy your trip!!!

[Len]

Hi! You will probably hear that there is a measles "epidemic" in central Mexico right now. 57 cases out of 30 million people..... they still don't know much about it, but I wouldn't worry.... in fact my non-vax 4yo son just came back from Mexico.... what I would reccommend for both kids and adults, is taking a bottle of probiotics (lactobacillus) with you and take them regularly, this will help prevent nasty stomach flus and the like. You should also carry with you a good disinfectant/antibiotic in case of wounds, and ditto on the bottled water!

[Mothra]

We've been to Mexico several times and I've never worried about vaccinations. Don't forget that ice is made from local water, though! I've had a few friends make that mistake. Definitely take a supply of antibiotics, and have fun!

[ma2maya]

Also a supply of wipes(which I am sure you will have with young children) are good to have. Even pre-child I always had some handy, just in case I was somewhere where running water and soap were not readily available. You never now who's been touching what and where those hands were before that. Come to think of it, it is the same here in the states!!

I 2nd the probiotics. If you need antibiotics you can get them in any farmacia in Mexico. Maybe before you go you could do some internet investigations on the brands availble in Mex. and decide what the best fit for your possible needs would be.

[MAMA-J]

WOW! Thanks for the feedback. The water/food was my biggest worry too and now I feel better about the vax issue.
I was glad to hear from mommas that have lived and or travelled there often with kids.
GRACIAS!