What about the pneamonia vaccine? And how often should they recieve it?
What about the pneamonia vaccine? And how often should they recieve it?
Are there any vaccines that we should be asking our pediatricians about that are outside the typical ones given during the first couple years because our child is a cherub?
Excellent question. There are 2 different vaccines referred to as "pneumonia" vaccines-- PCV13 (Prevnar) and PPSV23 (Pneumovax). Both are designed to prevent not only pneumonia, but also invasive pneumococcal disease, a bacterial infection of the bloodstream and/or the central nervous system. The following link has excellent information on these vaccines and who needs which ones. I will try to summarize below.
http://www.immunize.org/askexperts/e...l_vaccines.asp
Routinely, all children are recommended to get PCV13 at 2, 4, 6, & 12-15 months of age. There is a catchup schedule for children over 15 months who have not completed the primary PCV13 series.
In addition, certain children should receive the PPSV23 vaccine. This may apply to some Cherubs. The PPSV23 vaccine is recommended for certain children with chronic health problems, including chronic lung problems and long-term steroid use. If your child fits these criteria (or any of the other ones listed in my link), and your child is over age 2, ask your health care provider about getting the PPSV23 vaccine. Your child will typically receive an initial immunization with PPSV23, followed by a booster 5 years later.
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Originally Posted by JulieYounce
Great question. It is very important for all children to receive the all of the recommended vaccines on schedule, including the flu vaccine. Cherubs may be eligible for the RSV vaccine (Synagis) and/or the PPSV23 (Pneumovax) vaccines, depending on their age and specific medical conditions. See my posts above for more info on those vaccines.
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Originally Posted by NeilRubenstein
My daughter is 9 years old. Is the PPSV23 and PVC143 vaccinations typically given at those ages you had mentioned? Or is it something that must be asked for? I don't have a copy of her immunization record in front of me. We see the pediatrician for a weight check today and was wondering if it were something I should mention. Alyssa is on a daily inhaler and also has a rescue inhaler. She has a small right lung and quarter of the left one. She has also had Pneumonia in the past.
We are also talking about the flu shot. Is the mist just as effective or should we stick with the injection? Is it important that she does get the flu shot as well?
I would talk to your pediatrician to see whether your daughter needs the PPSV23 vaccine, given her lung issues. A flu vaccine is recommended for all children, especially if they have asthma or a chronic lung problem. For people with asthma or lung problems, a flu shot is recommended, because the FluMist is a weakened live virus, and has a theoretical risk of causing wheezing (although I have never seen it in practice, better to be on the safe side).
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Originally Posted by Megan Smith-Weedon
Hi Chris, we are in Canada and at 22 weeks gestation with a LCDH baby boy.
What vaccines or flu shots should the rest of the family be getting to help make our home a healthy home for when our baby is born and comes home? We are all up to date now with the normal stuff for our ages (42, 40, 16, 13, 1.5), but are there boosters that you would recommend?
Should we be getting flu shots this year for everyone? Should my pregnant wife get a flu shot?
Thank you.
Sean
Hi Sean. Thanks for the question. I like that you are planning ahead, and I'm glad to hear everyone is up to date on their recommended immunizations. Everyone in your family should definitely get a flu vaccine, including your pregnant wife. This will make your baby less likely to contract flu, since children under 6 months can't receive a flu vaccine. I would have your wife talk to her OB about getting a flu shot AND a Tdap vaccine while she is pregnant. A Tdap shot is recommended with EACH pregnancy now (helps protect the mother and unborn child against pertussis (whooping cough)), since he won't get a pertussis vaccine until 2 months of age. All family members over 11 should receive a Tdap vaccine if they have not already received one. This will protect everyone around the baby from pertussis, and will "cocoon" the baby from being exposed to this dangerous illness.
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Originally Posted by Ourfamily Wilson
Chris - Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to help our members.
You are welcome! I got lots of great questions. People can send me a DM with any additional questions that come up.
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Originally Posted by freedom