How long after a shot is the worry of reaction over?

[highlandmum]

So I screwed up and my dd (will be 3 in Feb) had BOTH a dtap and an mmr today, only 4wks after having another dtap. I am super stressed that something terrible is going to happen b/c of my moment of lack of judgement. (you can see my other thread here
My question here is, how long do I have to 'watch and wait' before I know she is safe from ANY reaction? (inc. possible autism, etc.--that is what I am REALLY worried about)
Thanks so much
And YES, obviously this won't happen again, I already feel bad enough, please don't barrate me

[Ophelia]

Are you sure you want my answer? Cause I would say a long, long time (years) for the chronic illnesses that vaccines are highly suspected in playing a role in.

I don't think it does much good to fret over it though. My DS has had most vaccines against my wishes. He did have a bad reaction at the first 2mo shots, then not so much subsequently after. In the back of my mind, I do worry sometimes about things like asthma and allergies, especially since I have them. If something happens I'll just have to deal with it, until then I'll have to assume that he is OK.

But for now, as long as they don't have any serious acute reactions, I think the best we can do is just keep their health at optimum and to be aware of health and behavior issues that may come up. I hope that makes sense.

believe me, I know how it feels after you let your kid have shots. It's an awful feeling. Personally I don't know if I can forgive myself for not being assertive enough with (D)H. Or is it him I can't forgive for forcing it in the first place....?

[highlandmum]

Yeah...we selective/delay instead of just not doing them, b/c my (d)h basically put his foot down. I wish we didn't do them at all. But, whatever. And yes, I do realize about the asthma/allergy risk being long long term....but I guess I just mean the risk of autism. When will I know that that risk is over?
I really appreciate you responding It makes me feel better to have a dialogue over this....

[13Sandals]

well, if its any help - if a child is going to regress over the MMR - it can begin with digestive problems. If your child suddenly has a long bout of loose stools, it could be that the MMR is causing problems. You can assume that your child's body is mounting a response to these viruses right now and be proactive - that is, supplement with some vit A from a natural source (like cod liver oil). Vit A because the measles virus quickly depletes the body of vit A which the immune system needs to function properly.

[Deborah]

if your baby hasn't been on antibiotics in a while the chances of problems seem to be a bit less

recent sickness and particularly antibiotic use are both red flags I've noted in a lot of case histories of children with autism

so, you could add a probiotic to your daughter's diet, just to support healthy gut function

good luck and I hope there are no problems at all!

[highlandmum]

Thank you all. I guess I'm most worried about the combo of the two dtap's being so close together and then adding on the mmr on top of that.....my daughter was sick about 2 weeks ago too (she's never been on antibiotics though). Any thoughts on the closeness of the vaccines and chances of autism? I am seriously considering telling my dh to shove it and not doing ANY more vaccines.:

[sprouthead]

The generally understood "window of autism" seems to close around age 3- so if she's fine by age 4 then I wouldn't worry. It also seems to affect more boys than girls, so you have that in your favor. However, I don't think there's a strong link between the issuing of vaccinations and the onset of autism. *I'm not saying this to trivialize the experiences of those who have experienced a regression after having the MMR*- I'm saying that my understanding of it has more to do with the compromising of the immune system overall, and I'm sure it is possible for a single vaccine to be the final straw, if you will, in an already compromised immune system. So I would just focus on strengthening her immune system and balancing her gut flora as much as you can in other ways.

[highlandmum]

Thanks for the replies--and thanks sproutmama for the info about the 'window of autism' -- I didn't know that.

Anyone else want to comment on how dangerous it is to have two dtap's so close together? With the mmr on top of that? Is it dangerous, or am I being ridiculous?

I talked to dh last night and we are putting a (possibly permanent) halt on doing any more vaccines

[13Sandals]

The generally understood "window of autism" seems to close around age 3- so if she's fine by age 4 then I wouldn't worry.

I have to respond to this, though my intent is not to worry anyone, that we delayed all live vaxes and others with my son...he was not autistic at 5 years old when we brought him in for some Kindegarten vaccine requirements. He was diagnosed with autism at 7 1/2 years, after a LONG SLOW decline beginning with that 5 year old doctor's visit.
Why do I blame the MMR he received at 5 years (his second)? His bowel problems began right after that shot and even now, 4 years after vaccination, his measles and rubella anitbodies are off the charts. Somewhere in his body, his immune system is still trying to deal with these two viruses....
At the 5 year old visit I remember telling myself, "Come on, he's FIVE - nothing could happen to him now."
NEVER let down your guard - a vaccine reaction could happen at any time. I think my story is unusual because we delayed for so long. Most people who delay end up getting most shots by 3 - so most of the damage shows up in that age group.

[spero]

Never, IMO. Probably a severe or life-threatening reaction is going to happen relatively soon after a vax, but you just never know what long-term effects (autism, diabetes, allergies, asthma, arthritis, etc.) might be waiting down the road.