What have your child's reactions been to the dtap vaccine, shot #4 specifically? I heard the shot #4 is the worst one. Has anyone else heard this too?
Hi J.,
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appen... is the link to the CDCs list of ingredients in the vaccines. The virus is the same from shot to shot. The differences are in the compounds that they are put into. Those are worth investigating.
You can also get some more information on drsears.com and http://drtenpenny.com/Documents/DTaP%20components(3).pdf
Hope this helps.
M.
I can only answer to #2 as I have a 9 month old. It was the only shot my boys have had an issue with. We only do 2 shots at a time and one in each leg so that I can monitor.
The DTAP caused a big swelling that subsided in 2 days and a pea sized hard lump that lasted WEEKS.
I was so upset. I am really on the fence with vaccines, so I was not a happy camper with this reaction!!
Talked to the ped and that is a really common reaction to the DTAP vaccine apparently. Ugh!
J.---Check for any reports at www.nvic.org. It's a great source for pros/cons and other basic info on all sorts of vaccines. You can also get some info at www.askDrSears.com. Good luck. D.
Edit note: I'm pretty sure that the Dr. Sears' write their own books. But ask them that question on their website if you want to be sure. Actually, I will be seeing Dr. Jim in Chicago next Mon, Aug 9. I will ask and then get back to you. This info is found at the nvic website:
About NVIC
The National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) is a national, non-profit educational organization founded in 1982. The oldest and largest consumer organization advocating the institution of vaccine safety and informed consent protections in the mass vaccination system, NVIC is responsible for launching the vaccine safety and informed consent movement in America in the early 1980's.
Our Mission
The National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) is dedicated to the prevention of vaccine injuries and deaths through public education and to defending the informed consent ethic. As an independent clearinghouse for information on diseases and vaccines, NVIC does not promote the use of vaccines and does not advise against the use of vaccines. We support the availability of all preventive health care options, including vaccination, and the right of consumers to make educated, voluntary health care choices.
Our Work
NVIC provides assistance to those who have suffered vaccine reactions; promotes research to evaluate vaccine safety and effectiveness, as well as to identify factors which place individuals at high risk for suffering vaccine reactions; and monitors vaccine research, development, regulation, policy-making and legislation. NVIC works to protect the right of citizens to exercise the human right to informed consent to medical interventions which carry a risk of injury or death for themselves or their children, including vaccination.
My son never had any reactions to any shots he's had. He never even liked keeping a band aid on once the shot was over.
Information to consider if you choose not to vaccinate:
http://whyichoose.org/notvaccinating.html
http://shotbyshot.org
Ask your pediatrician - take our advice with a grain of salt. We all have our own individual opinions, but we're not your doctor, and I hope all we influence you to do is have a candid conversation with them about the dtap vaccine.
Our son just had his (4 year old), and he did have a reaction for the first time. It lasted a few days, and it was consistent with what was to be expected (essentially a localized allergic reaction).
We've chosen to follow the vaccination schedule since our pediatrician's kids are all a year older than ours respectively, and he's made the same decisions for his kids.
Be very careful when visiting websites, even those of well-known pediatricians such as Dr. Sears. He has a team of people writing that content, and it is his opinion.
Good luck!
I have never heard of any of them being harder than others. But they can make the shot area sore so I always gave my children tyelenol or motrin an hour before the shot was given and then another dose when time. This helped with fever & soreness.
