Question for Moms Who DO Vaccinate - Playing with Un-vaccinated Kids

Updated on August 27, 2011
K.J. asks from Naperville, IL
46 answers

For those of you who DO vaccinate your kids...Would you knowingly have your kids play with kids who are NOT vaccinated?

I just recently found out that one of the families in my new playgroup don't vaccinate their kids.

I have an infant--so pertussis is a HUGE concern for me, as are the other highly contagious diseases that my older kids have already been vaccinated against.

What say you?

(I am not interested to hear WHY some people do not vaccinate--I am well aware of that. This question is strictly for those who DO vaccinate).

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So What Happened?

Updated: So my hubby came home and I asked him, and he said that, yes, I should keep away from the play group until the baby has received his 3rd dose of DPT, and after that to ask the Ped (hubby hates to give me advice on the kids' health--he wants me to have all things go thru their doctor, since his specialty is adults, not kids.)

Thank you all for your input!
---

I found out about it because the mom very joyfully proclaimed that her kids don't get vaccinated. I picked up my infant right away and held him tight until we left...The concern is not so much my older boys, but the 4 month old.
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@ Momof3Girls...again, the concern is NOT about my older children, but the BABY who has yet to receive his full regiment of vaccines. And it is NOT my biz what other parents choose to do about their kids' health, but it IS my job to protect MY children to the best of my ability. The family is a wonderful family, and I think the mom is a fantastic mother, and I didn't ask her about it...she volunteered the information. Now I have to make the decision about what to do, based on the information SHE disclosed.

@ Mina - You are so right about parents possibly posing a larger risk to their infants. Yes, I got my DPT booster before I even left the hospital.

By the way, I DO intend to discuss it with my husband (a physician) once he gets home. He earned a Masters in Medical Microbiology and Immunology before he went to med school, but thanks to those of you who assumed that we do't research our family's health care concerns.

Yes, my 4 month old has gotten 2 doses, but they are finding that it really takes 3 to develop the pertussis immunity...almost there
!!

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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

I feel like you do. For older ones who have had the full round and shpuld be immune, I would be okay, but I would not knowingly let my infant around the other kids. Pertussis would be one of my biggest concerns because it can be deadly to an infant (and has been in some well-publicized cases over the last few years). I know that we never know who we're coming in contact with out in public, which is a big reason why I fully immunize, but knowingly with an infant -no!

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A.S.

answers from Boca Raton on

As I understand it (and I'm not a health care professional of any type), a decent number of pertussis cases have shown up in people who have received the vaccine. There is a debate whether the pertussis germ has actually mutated and therefore the vaccine is not as effective.

I think if I had a baby right now I would be careful around everyone, vaccinated or not.

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M.L.

answers from Chicago on

I would have the same concern as you - that if the baby hasn't had a vaccination yet and are around a child who doesn't get vaccinated.
I saw a somewhat 'judgemental/snotty' comment from someone and I think it was unjust - there's nothing in this post that suggests she doesn't have faith in the vaccines. I always wonder - where do the kids who don't get vaccinated go to school - isn't it a law to have such vaccinations? I know, many are homeschooled but I've met people who say their kids are in public school with no vaccinations - how does that happen anyway? Sorry for adding questions, not my post, but this always brings up a ton of questions for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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C.P.

answers from Albuquerque on

I didn't read all of the responses... so I'll just say that YES, I would be concerned for the health and well-being of my own kids (specifically, the baby who is not fully vaccinated yet)!

I work in a public health lab and it just blows my mind how many people think they are doing the right thing by not vaccinating. I'm sure there are some legitimate reasons for it, but I just cannot comprehend how a parent wouldn't do everything in their power to protect their kids. There are so many things that are not within our control, why take a risk with something that can so easily be prevented?!

In our area, a majority of the non-vaccinated kids are from American Indian cultures and/or raised in low-income households. Is that an excuse, I don't think so. There are free vaccinations offered across the state and country which are available to these people.

As for parents who come from informed, educated backgrounds and STILL choose not to vaccinate, that seems so irresponsible to me! Sure, you can say "well, my kids aren't vaccinated and they're never sick!" Maybe not, but did it occur to you that that is the case because they're surrounded by kids who are raised by parents who DO understand and appreciate the risks and who DO choose to vaccinate!?

Still, every year we have outbreaks of these vaccine-preventable diseases--and YES, people (and in the case of pertussis, often BABIES) do DIE from them! It's so sad to think: If only her brother/mom/grandpa/cousin had been vaccinated, that baby would've never been exposed to a "minor cough" and died!

Okay, I'll step off my soapbox. I just wanted to say that you are not alone in your concerns! Good luck mama, you have to do what you think is best for your family!

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S.F.

answers from Reno on

One of my best friends whose son had to be vaccinated on a delayed schedule was advised by her pediatrician to not play with unvaccinated kids because of the risks. I thought that pedi was being a touch over-reactive until 4 kids from the non-vaccinated sub-community in our community died of whooping cough shortly after that. Wowzers...

(BTW, if it matters at all, this was nearly 15 years ago.)

Perhaps better safe than sorry is a good plan when the consequences might be death. And, most of the illnesses for which we vaccinate are can be killers. That's why vaccinations were developed.

Good luck.

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K.K.

answers from Austin on

If you are worried about your vaccinated kid getting something I guess you don't have much faith in vaccines "protecting" your kids. So why have that poison injected into them at all if you don't believe they work? You won't know about every child's vaccination status nor do you know which diseases are floating around such as on the grocery store cart. Use common sense and standard hygene. I don't vaccinate my three children and they are never sick. They don't even get colds. They have super strong immune systems.

And of course it is none of your business what another parent decides to do in regards to their children's healthcare.

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B.

answers from Augusta on

No I would not. especially if I had an infant.

All it takes is an un vaccinated child in contact with someone that has been exposed to these diseases to transmit it to someone else and the chain begins. Older people who don't have a strong immune system or it has been a long time since they were vaccinated can also be exposed to get these diseases.
Vaccinations work because everyone has them. Or did have them. Now that there are holes in that vaccination net things are starting to come back in force. That's why there are now Measles outbreaks in the US. Google it if you don't believe me.

No you don't know if your child is exposed. What happens when you go to the super market and someone at the supermarket just got back from Europe and they brought something with them. Just because the school is supposed to notify you when there's something going around. it does not mean you will know when your child is exposed to something. It can come from anywhere , and someone has to be the first carrier of it, the first carrier does not know they have it at first.

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K.E.

answers from Buffalo on

I would check with your doctor, but I would not let them play until my baby has reveived all her shots and deemed safe to be expossed to "stuff"
UPDATED:
Yes the worry is not for those who are vaccinated it is for those who are not like your 4 month old. A person with any cold/virus is contagious for days before they show symptoms and carry this "germ" to others and kids that are young or have weak immune systems can get REALLY SICK!! This is why EVERYONE should get vaccinated!!!

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C.A.

answers from Dallas on

Okay MAJOR RANT:

When I was a child, I think we only had 7 vaccinations period. If you calculate today then a child has over 30 before they even start school. That is absolutely CRAZY! My daughter's pediatrician could not argue with me on this one. She agreed that it has gotten out of control.

Just because you have a vaccination does not prevent you from getting the disease. We had children in our playgroup who got the chicken pox and they had been vaccinated.

My daughter has had some vaccinations but not all of them. You can get exemption forms from the state you live in. My daughter is enrolled in a charter school and by law they have to take the form...no questions asked.

Every person I have ever encountered and spoken to without exception who does not vaccinate their children have extremely healthy children who are hardly ever sick. I can count literally on ONE hand the number of times since she has been born and gotten sick with just a common cold. The only times she has had fever was guess when??...when she had a vaccination. Go FIGURE!

Our society just blindly follow the masses and do what we are told and do not investigate and research the pros and cons.

Oh the latest and greatest...I stumbled upon a forum where mothers are grieving the death of their daughters because they allowed them to be vaccinated at 11 and 12 with the HPV vaccine. They are dying within a few hours after taking it or the next day. They are posting that they regret giving it to their daughter and wish they hadn't. So Sad.

Got this info straight off of CDC website:

Deaths
As of June 22, 2011 there have been a total 68 VAERS reports of death among those who have received Gardasil® . There were 54 reports among females, 3 were among males, and 11 were reports of unknown gender. Thirty two of the total death reports have been confirmed and 36 remain unconfirmed due to no identifiable patient information in the report such as a name and contact information to confirm the report. A death report is confirmed (verified) after a medical doctor reviews the report and any associated records. In the 32 reports confirmed, there was no unusual pattern or clustering to the deaths that would suggest that they were caused by the vaccine and some reports indicated a cause of death unrelated to vaccination.

These are just the reported deaths, there are many unreported deaths because not everyone reports it to VAERS.

The moms who are grieving are posting though that their daughter was healthy and nothing wrong and then a few hours later...dead. Or, the next day, they die. Coincidence...I think not.

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S.W.

answers from Detroit on

okay so I'm not who you are asking because I don't vaccinate, but I wanted to say i would not be offended in anyway if you were extra cautious with your infant around those who don't vaccinate. The risk is there especially during cold season, when you can't tell if the cough a kid has started having is just a cold or something much worse. Good luck with whatever you decide to do

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K.M.

answers from Chicago on

I think it would depend on the situation as a whole, but honestly, my first instinct is no. My son sturggled thru an immunity disorder that he thankfully grew out of however had he been around a child that was not vaccinated that brought something to him my son could possibly be dead and that is not ok. I can not stop myself from being haunted by the memories of for nearly every fever my son has that is over 101.5 (a lot) having to rush him to the hospital so he can have an IV with particular medications injected in in JUST IN CASE it was something severe. We could not be in or go thru the waiting room, no one could come in his room w/out gloves/mask and when he had to get xrays done one time the whole hallway had to be cleared, quickly mopped and walls wiped down and everyone on the floor had to wear a mask just to protect MY 18month old son. So, to those who choose not to vaccinate, I respect your choice - however please also respect my choice to not play with you or your child.
This article talks about the dangers unvaccinated children pose
http://shotofprevention.com/2011/04/12/why-worry-about-th...

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J.W.

answers from St. Louis on

If I had a child that could not be vaccinated, like an infant, I would not let my kids play with a child who was not vaccinated. Yeah my older ones wouldn't get it but they can still transfer it to the baby.

I am also mouthy enough to make sure the parents knew why my kids were no longer playing with them.

Ya know if I were in a really good mood I may let them continue to play and lay on the disinfecting drama. Either way I would make it clear I didn't like them risking other children's health.

Some people do bring up a good point that it only matters when they are visibly ill. Except it is easier to pull the kids from the group than figure out which illnesses are contagious before there are any signs you are infected.

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T.J.

answers from Seattle on

Because of shedding, I'd be more worried about kids that have been recently immunized. Those of us that don't vaccinate do not think our kids are safe because of "everyone else" being vaccinated. We have studied and researched the ingredients, risks, diseases and treatment, immunology, etc. And know that a naturally built immune system is superior to an artificial one.

The low income families I know have free insurance and are fully vaccinated and usually have the sickest kids I know, whereas the ones I know who don't vaccinate are usually doctors and other higher earning families that are educated, have access to great health care, and their kids are hardly ever sick, or not as bad when they are.

My grandma died because of the new flu vaccine with h1n1. My kids were directly exposed to pertussis last year by two close family members and got a fever for one day, similar to symptoms they would have had after the vaccine. Their doctor said they were fine and now have 30 years immunity rather than only 10. And yes there are waivers for public school exemptions.

I'm not trying to argue with anyone, just clearing up some points that have been mentioned and answering the question about who you should be worried about your kids playing with. I respect everyones opinions on what is best for their family and think we shouldn't judge so much, unless someone is neglecting or abusing their children!

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R.D.

answers from Richmond on

I think that parents who DON'T vaccinate their kids think their children are safe since OUR kids get their shots... that's just funny ;)

The entire purpose of vaccinations is to build an immunity to those contagious diseases, so no, I really don't worry about my kids playing with unvaccinated kids, THOSE are the kiddos who's parents are letting them play Russian Roulette, not my kids who had their shots.

The only shot we don't get is the flu shot. The ONE TIME we all got the flu shot, we all came down with H1N1 flu... and I was pregnant. Flipping AWESOME (not!!)... so we don't bother with flu shots. If 'x' amount of kids at their school get the flu, they close school anyway... and I'm a germophobe!!

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J.S.

answers from Jacksonville on

I guess I am a little confused. I your husband has a master's in Immunology, then why are you asking us? Really I don't mean that in a mean way, I just figured he would have an answer for you. This kinda makes me sad, my daughter isn't immunized. We did get the meningitis vaccine and on her final one she became completely listless, and I don't mean she just didn't feel good. We were having troubles even getting responses out of her The next day we were back at the Doc who was concerned about it but had the let's wait and see attitude. After about three days she finally started acting normally. The doc said it was an unusual reaction, and wanted to do other vaccines, but my husband told her no.

I am sorry, but I KNOW she had a bad reaction to the vaccine and I think giving her more is much more dangerous than the slight risk she might contract something. She also has a speech delay and my husband is afraid that is a result of her reaction. Your husband will probably be able to tell you that 1 in every 1,000 babies will have a reaction to the pertussis vaccine, including convulsions and brain damage.

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J.P.

answers from Dallas on

I would avoid children who are not vaccinated especially with my daughter who is only 7 months.

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C.C.

answers from San Francisco on

If you have an infant who has not had all his shots yet, then yeah, I'd be concerned about playing with un-vaccinated children. Your children who are vaccinated are in no danger, but your baby... that's a chance I might not take.

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J.K.

answers from Dallas on

I'm not going to respond to the question b/c I have strong views about vaccinations (yes, I'm pro-vaccine) but, don't want to really get into a huge debate about it.

I will say this: I believe and have always believed that YOU need to do what YOU feel is best for YOU and YOUR children. Who cares what other people think? If you feel uncomfortable having your child around those who do not vaccinate, then don't worry about the below answers...follow your gut and do what you feel is best. No one else is raising your child but YOU...therefore, YOU are responsible. If your child gets sick, it's not like another mother from the playgroup is going to be taking care of him/her. YOU ARE. So whatever you decide is what's best! I support YOU and whatever decision YOU make.

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A.L.

answers from Charleston on

For the older kids, I would be ok letting them play as long as my kids were all up to date on their vaccinations. However, having had a very sick baby 7 days after his birth, spending a week in the NICU and him having to undergo a spinal tap to rule out menengitis, I saw how easily and quickly babies can pick up EVERYTHING bad and it is scary. I wouldn't want my baby around an unvaccinated child if my baby was not fully vaccinated himself. That's me and my paranoia from my experience with a sick infant. I think it's great advice that someone mentioned below to call your pediatrician and get his thoughts on it. Good luck!

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T.M.

answers from Tampa on

If all of my children were vaccinated, then I probably would not worry about it. My kids would be protected. However, if I had an infant like you do, then I would probably be more apt to say no. Maybe I am strange though...the first question that I have when talking to another Mom is not whether or not they choose to vaccinate. I probably wouldn't even know they didn't unless it just happened to come up in conversation.

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M.M.

answers from Houston on

Unvaccinated kids are a threat to infants, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems or auto-immune diseases and other un-vaccinated kids. If I had an infant or any of those other things, or my vaccinated children were around those people, then I probably wouldn't be so free around un-vaccinated kids. People who don't vacc their kids sure do take a lot of risks endangering *other* people, and the herd immunity argument no longer exists due to the sheer number of unvaccinated children.

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J.S.

answers from Austin on

No vaccine is 100% full proof as there are thousands of variants to flus, colds, influenza, chicken pox, etc. Did you get those vaccines yourself recently - because you do know that there are some "child/infant" sicknesses that have adult variants that can be passed around to your children. I would use common sense - if other kids/people are sick, keep your kids away; if your kids get sick just take care of them. Our bodies are not made to be solely dependent an vaccinations to prevent sickness, our immune systems need to be worked!

Frankly, once my daughter turned 6 months I challenge any sickness to come our way so that I know her body will actively protect itself. Now when she was smaller... I of course kept her away from known illnesses but frankly there are way to many other ways our LOs can get sick/hurt that I don't need to start worrying about whether or not other people are vaccinated. And yes, I vaccinate - not 100% and not on the same schedule as others.

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C.M.

answers from Chicago on

People who don't vaccinate do NOT believe their kids are safe because the people who DO vaccinate are keeping the disease from spreading. That is a myth and is NOT true. People who don't vaccinate believe that an immune system that is not taxed with toxins and weak strains of diseases from vaccinations is STRONGER. It is that strength they are relying on, not kids who are vaccinated.

Whether that is true or not is up to debate. And that debate rages on.

I think you should do what you feel comfortable with. If it makes you feel better to leave the playgroup, then do it. Otherwise if it makes you feel better to keep your child away from the unvaccinated kids than do so. Unvaccinated kids are all over and they don't wear tags like we put on our animals for rabies shots.

There is a LOT that goes into whether or not a human contracts a disease as germs are all over. Two people can be around someone who has a cold and only one of them will catch the cold. Why is that? Two kids can have the same set of vaccinations and one may be healthy their whole life and the other will be sick a lot.

Science still has A LOT to learn when it comes to understanding diseases. I don't think either side of the fence--the pro-vaccination or the anti-vaccination crowd should be talking as if they have the "superior" knowledge.

All you can do is what YOU feel is right for your family. if you've done that, I think you can rest easier.

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M.K.

answers from Seattle on

Yep, we do vaccinate and that is our decision, and I respect if a family makes a different decision for their child. If you are schedule your baby should have had two pertussis vaccines so far - so he's pretty safe.
I don't really see a reason to freak out over unvacced kids, unless you have a child with an immune condition that cannot receive vaccines themself... in which case I assume parents would avoid places where they could catch something anyways.
BTW, if you haven't gotten a pertussis booster in a long time you may possible even pose a greater risk to your baby (because you are in closer contact) than an unvaccinated playmate of your older child. Ask you doctor about pertussis boosters for adults.

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L.N.

answers from New York on

I don't know what your question is specifically? What I say is even if you quit this group, there are so many who do not vaccinate, you will not be able to live in a bubble.
I believe you do research. I think most of us do yet we never agree on this one,do we now? So who is right according to the research you have done? I bet it won't be the same as mine.

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B.B.

answers from Missoula on

I wouldn't worry about the older kids, but I have a 5 month old (who is current on vaccines, but has not yet had final DPT dose), and I would definitely not expose him to kids I knew were not vaccinated.

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S.S.

answers from Daytona Beach on

my kids have always been pretty healthy. no sicknesses or such when they were infants. i don't think that it would be any different then the kids going to school and having friends who aren't vaccinated. or a daycare and being around other babies/kids. kids can get it from anywhere. my niece was somehow exposed to mono. she's never played with anyone that has had this. they can catch something playing on the playground. your older kids can bring something home and give it to your baby. so i would say, i probaby wouldn't have a problem with it. my husband, however, is a different matter. he and his family don't even like to get our/their kids areound people or kids who have a cold.

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M.B.

answers from Orlando on

Are you serious? Do your kids go to school? How do you know if they kids there are vaccinated? This seems a little crazy to me, you might as well live like a hermit until your baby is older because by your reasoning you are putting them at risk everytime you leave the house not to mention what the older kids are bringing! My son is vaccinated and if I found out one of his friends wasn't i wouldnt stop them from playing even after my baby is born.

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N.G.

answers from Dallas on

Well, being that the kids my daughters have come into contact with do not have signs stapled to them that state whether they are vaccinated or not, I actually have never had the situation come up. Because my kids ARE vaccinated, I guess I don't worry about it too much. Should I?

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A.V.

answers from Washington DC on

If my kid is vaccinated, then why should I worry? My DD was not vaccinated on the current Amer. Pediatrics schedule so she may not have had the same immunities as the other kids in the daycare at the same time. I didn't worry and neither should the other parents, IMO. While getting illnesses as an infant is a concern, I guess I didn't see it as any more of a concern than taking my infant out in the general population. How many adults don't get their pertussis booster? A lot.

I don't blame you for picking up your infant but I think the overall risk is low.

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E.A.

answers from Erie on

I would only be worried if my child's immune system was compromised in some way. Because of the shedding of some viruses, a vaccinated child is a risk to those with immune issues (like HIV+ or chemo patients), and newly vaccinated kids should avoid being around those people. A child under 6mo will have the common immunities of it's mother, and a better chance of fighting illness off if breastfed.
If your child is over 4mo, I wouldn't be worried unless the other child is showing symptoms of illness, but that's just common sense. Being unvaccinated does not equal being constantly contagious. Keep the baby in a sling if you are worried :)

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K.P.

answers from New York on

The unvaccinated child is the one who is most at-risk, I think. If your children are vaccinated and exposed to the illness, in theory, they won't contract it. I'm a worrier, so I would probably call my pediatrian and ask his opinion on this whole thing. But, no, I wouldn't intentionally pull my child out of a playgroup for this reason.

As for the infant, I wouldn't let any of the little germ factories touch the baby and have everyone frequently wash hands to keep germs at bay! If the kids are going to be playing at your home, wash hands upon arrival and again before snack!

If any child comes to playgroup looking visibly ill- I would take my kiddos and head home.

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J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Pertussis seems to come through communities quite regularly, and I too was very concerned when my children were small infants. I've seen and heard small babies with whooping cough, and it is a shocking illness. Yes, you can still contract the disease if you have been vaccinated, but it is far, far less harmful. Why not just avoid the family for a little until your baby has been fully immunised?

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S.F.

answers from Utica on

I feel the same way you do and if I was aware that the children that were around my children were NOT vaccinated then No I would not let my children play with them either. While I can appreciate everyones choice to do it or not I am PRO vaccines and I feel that they are given for a reason not so people can feel they have a say in things

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K.F.

answers from Cleveland on

I vaccinate my children, but part of the reason for vaccinating them is to protect them from those who aren't. I don't keep my kids from being around those that aren't vaccinated. I keep my kids away from other sick kids. I don't care if a child is vaccinated or not, if they are sick they aren't coming near my kids if I can help it. I understand about the baby. My daughter is 10 months and I was dealing with the pertussis fear when she was first born. I tried to keep her away from those who weren't vaccinated, but some of those people included her Grandparents. Have you been vaccinated? If it hasn't been in the past 10 years you will need to get it again. My husband and I did, along with some family members. So, it's not just kids you need to worry about.

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D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

Pertussis is on the rise simply because parents are refusing to vaccinate. I would not have my infant in this playgroup with this child. I would be worried about other diseases too, especially if you aren't breastfeeding.

Dawn

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J.S.

answers from Chicago on

Yes, we do. If your kid is vaccinated then you shouldn't be too concerned about him or her catching those diseases, and wear your baby and breastfeed so that he or she doesn't catch anything.

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N.J.

answers from Los Angeles on

We had a selective/delay schedule for my first son and his vaccines (he has horrible reactions to them) I did not do any play groups or church nurseries with him until he was up to date with his peers on vaxs. I couldn't forgive myself if he got something and gave it to a very young baby, and I also did it to protect him for catching all those nasty bugs from others.

If it were me, I would discuss with my pediatrician and see what he thinks, but at the very least keep her away from that family until she has her 3rd dose. Really that's only 2 months out (6 mth check up right?)

Whooping cough is definitely on a come back. I personally know of 2 very young babies who were hospitalized because they were too young to be vaccinated for it. Very very scary experience for both mommies :)

Updated

We had a selective/delay schedule for my first son and his vaccines (he has horrible reactions to them) I did not do any play groups or church nurseries with him until he was up to date with his peers on vaxs. I couldn't forgive myself if he got something and gave it to a very young baby, and I also did it to protect him for catching all those nasty bugs from others.

If it were me, I would discuss with my pediatrician and see what he thinks, but at the very least keep her away from that family until she has her 3rd dose. Really that's only 2 months out (6 mth check up right?)

Whooping cough is definitely on a come back. I personally know of 2 very young babies who were hospitalized because they were too young to be vaccinated for it. Very very scary experience for both mommies :)

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S.L.

answers from New York on

Yes I think you should Keep your infant away form this family untill he is vaccinated. Better safe than sorry. I read Pertussis is making a come back.

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Pertussis is very dangerous.
In my State last year, a 6 month old baby, DIED from it. The baby caught it from an adult relative... who thought she just had a normal cold.
In adults and babies, the symptoms present different, symptoms.

STAY away.
You have an infant.
Be vigilant.

Adults, are recommended to get Booster shots... for Pertussis as well.
And for other things.
Because, yes, infants/babies, get sick... from others. And in a young baby, it can be, fatal.

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B.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

If vaccines work... then why should you be worried about your children playing with un-vaccinated children?

If you follow the AAP's recommended schedule, then your infant should have had two rounds of pertussis already. I would hope that if you do vaccinate, you know what vaccinations your child is getting and has gotten.

My kids are delayed vaccinated. My 4yr old is very behind, but she came home from Ukraine 10 months ago and I am not going to vaccinate her untl I'm darn good and ready. My 5yr old will start K in September, he's not caught up. He wil lbe, eventually, but its not a huge concern of mine. I don't worry about them playing with vaccinated or unvaccinated kids.

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A.P.

answers from Charlotte on

I think this can be such a hard issue to handle with either side- All in all moms have one things in mind, love and safety for their kids. Although I am a mom of unvaccinated children, I can totally see your point of view. In my opinion it is perfectly normal for you to feel concerned for your infant's health. There is nothing wrong with you taking the precautions you feel necessary, the same way the unvaccinated moms take the precautions they feel necessary. Pertussis was always a scary one for me also, and I understand the fear you feel about it- as a mom, you have to do what makes you believe you are doing your best. If that means not letting "your kids" play with "mine" I think most all moms should get it. After all, we all can agree we just want our kids safe. I do have to say , that the majority of unvaccinating moms I know spend an enormous amount of time trying to educate themselves about vaccinations- so I'm sure she particularly would understand your concerns.Best of luck!!

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A.G.

answers from Houston on

I guess i don't understand what the concern would be, isn't the vaccination supposed to protect the child from contracting it? What then would the concern be by exposing a vaccinated child to an un-vaccinated one?

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J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Older kids are fine because they would have had all ther vaccines.
It's the infant that would worry me. But I would just not let too many older kids near the baby, make sure my own older children practice proper handwashing, make sure they cover their mouths when they cough, etc. But those precautions are ones I took with my infant with anyone...vaccinated or not.
All you can do is stay on top of the vaccination schedule you choose for your 4 month old (delayed or on schedule) and practice proper hygiene.
Hope this helps! =)

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K.S.

answers from Birmingham on

No, I will not allow my child to knowingly play with a child who is not vaccinate. It's a tough question to just come out and ask someone, but we haven't encountered anyone yet that doesn't understand. My wife works with a doctor who will not administer the vaccinations in a "step by step" method for the fear of his other patients might become infected. This is where I picked up on the dangers involved and have been careful with who we let the kids play with ever since.

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answers from Phoenix on

I can see your concern if your child has a compromised immune system because of disease or cancer or if this other child were showing symptoms of being sick, even if it was just a cold. Otherwise, I think you're totally fine to be apart of this group.

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