[nikiw]

I was wondering if other NICU's are using the Pediarix vaccine and if so, how have your babies reacted after receiving?

Also, what is your vaccine policy. Do all babies get them when they hit 2 months, do you wait if they are still intubated, in an isolette etc.

Just trying to get an idea about what other facilities do.

[FamilyPracticeRN]

I work in NC in a family practice clinic and while it has been the standard to give Hep B to newborns, I'm suprised to see that they are also getting the DTaP and IPV as well (included in the pediarix). Do you know if they are changing the suggested age for the DTap and IPV? Seems a little early to be getting all three.

[dawngloves]

The AAP recommends the first doses of DPT,IPV and HiB at 2 months. Been like that for years as I recall.
We've been using Pediarix for about a year or so.We won't give it if the baby is sick. (NPO, lots of As/Bs,anemic,ect) but will still give if vented or in an isolette. I personally haven't seen any increase in reactions.
Are you giving Tylenol beforehand?

[justjenny]

We use it in our Level III NICU. Not for the sick ones, but one thing I will say is that we have begun to "space out" our vaccines at 2 months of age...any baby in the last few months or so receiving multiple vaccines (or sometimes even one vaccine) decides to have a major setback and become apneic, or worse yet, intubated again. We have never said it was because of the vaccine specifically...but just to be safe we give them a couple of days apart.
Jenny

[BittyBabyGrower]

jenny, we are noticing that also. Big set backs too. We have a new protocal that we will not give them until they are 2 months corrected and it seems to work out a bit better. They are already immuncompromised and we are asking their little bodies to do more.

We don't use the Pediarix...we give them all separate.

[NICURN513]

I Work In A Level 3 Nicu And We Have Also Been Noticing Set-backs After Infants Recieve These Immunizations. THIS IS REALLY SCARY!

[Gompers]

My friend's sister had two babies die of SIDS within 48 hours of recieving their 2 month vaccinations.

Just a thought.