Hep B birth vaccination

Published

I am a nursing student and I gave birth to a boy in February 2008. My son was breech so he was born via emergency c section and he had trouble nursing after birth, was yellow (but tested negative for jaundice), and had mucus and spent the first night in the nursery after he was born. He was born on a Wednesday morning and on Thursday morning the doctor came and talked to us about Hepatitis B vaccination. I had asked about vaccinations in my prenatal appointment, this was a different doctor, and I told her the doctor said the first one they administer is at one month old. The doctor told me I should consider doing the the Hep b shot now because it was on the AAP schedule and they recommend it even though it can be delayed until one month. I discussed it with my husband and he read the CDC sheet and said that he was concerned about the yeast allergy because both him and his mother are allergic to yeast and have several severe food allergies. The doctor told us that does not mean our son has the allergy and she said there is no way he can be tested for the allergy before the administration of the vaccine. She said that if we were concerned about the allergy we HAVE to have to vaccine now or at one month and if he had an allergic reaction now he could go to neonatal and be treated and if we waited until one month he could die on the way to the hospital. Our hospital is a while away because we live about an hour from the city so my husband said she had a valid argument. He accompanied the doctor to the nursery where she administered the vaccine. Afterward my son was extremely tired and cranky and I am worried that he had an adverse reaction. At 26 days old he had his one day appointment (it was early because of scheduling and the fact he was born in February). At this appointment I had to argue with them that he already had the Hep B in the hospital because they said their standard practice was one month. They insisted on giving him a second dose even though I thought it had to be a full month and I asked if it could be delayed since he was breech and in a Pavlov harness. They said no and gave him the vaccine. Afterwards I changed practices after they refused to space the 2 month vaccines over my concern for allergic reactions. I went to a new doctor and got my son the DTAP at 2 months. He screamed for four hours afterward, had a fever, I gave him Tylenol, and I was up all night talking to the on call doctor. She said he was having a normal reaction and to bring him in the next day. I brought him in the next day a Saturday and was told the doctor had left early that day. His reaction was never documented. After all of this I went and got him an exemption because I couldn't sleep at night thinking about the vaccines and I have had nightmares about them especially reading all of the dangers of the hep b at birth including autism. According the doctors now my son is developing normally and is a happy and healthy five month old. I am currently not vaccinating him and am not planning to vaccinate my next baby at all. I still have trouble sleeping and have extreme guilt over getting him the Hep b vaccine at birth and worry about the potential long term effects. Please share your thoughts!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D,Lactation.

Go to the OB forum there is currently a thread there on this subject

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

I am sorry that you have had experiences with pediatricians who seemed unwilling to accept your input and respect your parental rights to make decisions regarding your child's care, especially in non-emergent situations. I understand that may have led you to be mistrustful of pediatricians and healthcare practitioners in general.

However, I would urge you not to "throw the baby out with the bath water" so to speak.

Vaccines have changed the face of infectious disease around the world. Diseases that used to regularly claim young lives are now rare, but unfortunately some are on the rise again, due to waning vaccination. (Especially MMR and whooping cough.)

Please take the time to ask your friends, neighbors, parents and anyone you trust for referrals to reputable pediatricians, family practice physicians or nurse practitioners. Ask for a complimentary consultation to meet the physician and discuss your concerns so that you may find a provider you trust. You might also consider contacting your county health department to make an appointment with the person in charge of their vaccination program. (I did this when my oldest was an infant, and I was diagnosed with cancer.) We had concerns over which vaccines she could safely receive, given that I might need chemo. The NP there was a wealth of information on infant and adult vaccines, and was knowledgable of up and coming changes to vaccine recommendations that most peds were not yet aware of. She also helped me to decide which vaccines were truly necessary for my daughter at that time, and which could be safely delayed.

Another bit of information you may not be aware of: Please "Google" CDC vaccination guidelines, and federal laws regarding vaccines. Most childhood vaccines require (by federal law) informed consent (usually in the form of a signature). For a healthcare provider to "force" a vaccine upon a child without parent's consent is a violation of this law. The hepaitis B vaccine does not fall into this category, though.

I hope I can reassure you a bit about your child's status. The Hepatitis B vaccine has an excellent track record of safety, and is well tolerated by patients of all ages. A reaction is highly unlikely. While your baby may have been a bit fussy and not fed well for a day or so following the hospital vaccine, it is much more likely that was normal newborn behavior than any negative reaction to the vaccine. A mild temp and fussiness after DaTP is not unexpected, either. You did the right thing by contacting your ped and giving Tylenol according to his instructions.

I am a proponent of vaccinations, but firmly believe that parents must have input as to the timing of vaccinations, and also have the responsibility to exercise their judgement as to vaccines that protect against illnesses that are not readily communicable by casual contact, such as Hepatitis B and HPV.

Please find a provider you can trust to work with you throughout your child's lifetime, and that of your future children. Your sanity and your child's health depend upon it!

Best to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am a nursing student and I gave birth to a boy in February 2008. My son was breech so he was born via emergency c section and he had trouble nursing after birth, was yellow (but tested negative for jaundice), and had mucus and spent the first night in the nursery after he was born. He was born on a Wednesday morning and on Thursday morning the doctor came and talked to us about Hepatitis B vaccination. I had asked about vaccinations in my prenatal appointment, this was a different doctor, and I told her the doctor said the first one they administer is at one month old. The doctor told me I should consider doing the the Hep b shot now because it was on the AAP schedule and they recommend it even though it can be delayed until one month. I discussed it with my husband and he read the CDC sheet and said that he was concerned about the yeast allergy because both him and his mother are allergic to yeast and have several severe food allergies. The doctor told us that does not mean our son has the allergy and she said there is no way he can be tested for the allergy before the administration of the vaccine. She said that if we were concerned about the allergy we HAVE to have to vaccine now or at one month and if he had an allergic reaction now he could go to neonatal and be treated and if we waited until one month he could die on the way to the hospital. Our hospital is a while away because we live about an hour from the city so my husband said she had a valid argument. He accompanied the doctor to the nursery where she administered the vaccine. Afterward my son was extremely tired and cranky and I am worried that he had an adverse reaction. At 26 days old he had his one day appointment (it was early because of scheduling and the fact he was born in February). At this appointment I had to argue with them that he already had the Hep B in the hospital because they said their standard practice was one month. They insisted on giving him a second dose even though I thought it had to be a full month and I asked if it could be delayed since he was breech and in a Pavlov harness. They said no and gave him the vaccine. Afterwards I changed practices after they refused to space the 2 month vaccines over my concern for allergic reactions. I went to a new doctor and got my son the DTAP at 2 months. He screamed for four hours afterward, had a fever, I gave him Tylenol, and I was up all night talking to the on call doctor. She said he was having a normal reaction and to bring him in the next day. I brought him in the next day a Saturday and was told the doctor had left early that day. His reaction was never documented. After all of this I went and got him an exemption because I couldn't sleep at night thinking about the vaccines and I have had nightmares about them especially reading all of the dangers of the hep b at birth including autism. According the doctors now my son is developing normally and is a happy and healthy five month old. I am currently not vaccinating him and am not planning to vaccinate my next baby at all. I still have trouble sleeping and have extreme guilt over getting him the Hep b vaccine at birth and worry about the potential long term effects. Please share your thoughts!

No need to feel guilty - they had you over a barrel, attacking you at a very vulnerable moment.

Do stick to your guns, though. And learn to tell them, not ask them. I pray for health and happiness for you and yours.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

OK, I should have done a little research before I posted. Apparently, consent for vaccines is covered by state law. See the following:

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/121/Supplement_1/S85

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think that vaccination is a powerful force for good and public health. I would encourage you to have a long conversation with your Doc about your concerns.

Please don't take an either/or approach to vaccination. It is your right as a parent to demand that medical treatments be done in a way that is consistent with your perceptions of safety. My perception of your concerns was that providers failed to space out vaccinations in a way that was consistent with your concerns.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi There,

I read your post and I was disappointed ,though not surprised, to hear about this doctor and others trying to force you into vaccinating your baby.

I also gave birth to a baby boy on February 28th and was asked in the hospital if I wished for him to be administered the Hep B vaccine - my reply was a strong and confident NO, which, thankfully - was not questioned.

I think it's extremely unfortunate that so many doctors and nurses today are brainwashed to believe that vaccines are so safe & effective - most of the vaccinations we adminster to our babies today are completely uneccessary, and, all vaccines carry serious risks and side-effects, many of which a blind-eye is turned to by our medical community.

The really scary thing is that the Med Community just keeps allowing the number of vaccines on our childrens 'schedules' to keep increasing. Did you know that in the 1990's there were only 19 scheduled childhood vaccines...well today, there are 39! Thirty-nine shots!!! - all containing high levels of aluminum (a known neurotoxin), animal tissues including - baby cow blood serum, monkey kidney cells, human aborted fetal cells, formaldehyde, MSG and the list goes on and on and on...

I have several recommended reads for you. The book I found most helpful: "The Vaccine Book," by Dr. Sears. Although Dr. Sears claims to be pro-vaccine, I believe that the honesty of his book will really make you think! You will learn that the Hep B shot is the most dangerous vaccine, and, there is absolutely NO REASON to administer it to a newborn (unless the babies mother is Hep B positive)!

In this book, you will also learn about the toxic levels of aluminum all these idiots are subjecting our babies to. No adequate research has been conducted on the short-term and long-term affects of aluminum in our vaccines, but, I can tell you that 25 micrograms is considered safe for a patient to receive on a daily basis via IV...vaccines contain anywhere from 125 - 850 micrograms of aluminum per vaccine!

Other recommended reads: "Vaccines:Are they Safe and Effective," by Neil Miller. I also recommend that you read "How to Raise a Healthy Child Inspite of Your Pediatrician" by the late Dr. Mendelsohn.

I am also studying to become a nurse and I worry that my opposition to vaccinations could negatively affect my career - I am glad though, that I will at least be a strong opposing voice among all these pro-vaxers who have not bothered to conduct their own research about the hazards of vaccinating.

Just look at how many young girls have already died or been paralyzed by the Gardasil vaccine.

I think the time is quickly approaching that health professionals are going to begin thinking twice about pushing vaccines onto their patients as the law-suits surrounding them continue to build...

I am so sorry that someone pushed you to vaccinate your baby.

Dr. Sears also states in his book that if a baby displays a reaction to a vaccine he should not receive another vaccine. He states his strong concern over doctors who continue to push them after a child has experienced an adverse reaction. You were very smart to refuse further vaccinations. Stick with your decision and don't let anyone who will (after you conduct your own reasearch) know much less than you, concerning this subject - sway you to allow your child to be injured!

Good Luck!

Colleen

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC/Rehab, Med Surg, Home Care.

My biggest concern here is the lack of respect by the HCP for your concerns/wishes about vaccination. You have every right to say no, and they had no right to vaccinate when you had said no. Why did you allow them to continue?

At this appointment I had to argue with them that he already had the Hep B in the hospital because they said their standard practice was one month. They insisted on giving him a second dose even though I thought it had to be a full month and I asked if it could be delayed since he was breech and in a Pavlov harness. They said no and gave him the vaccine. Afterwards I changed practices after they refused to space the 2 month vaccines over my concern for allergic reactions. I went to a new doctor and got my son the DTAP at 2 months.

I am a nursing student and I gave birth to a boy in February 2008. My son was breech so he was born via emergency c section and he had trouble nursing after birth, was yellow (but tested negative for jaundice), and had mucus and spent the first night in the nursery after he was born. He was born on a Wednesday morning and on Thursday morning the doctor came and talked to us about Hepatitis B vaccination. I had asked about vaccinations in my prenatal appointment, this was a different doctor, and I told her the doctor said the first one they administer is at one month old. The doctor told me I should consider doing the the Hep b shot now because it was on the AAP schedule and they recommend it even though it can be delayed until one month. I discussed it with my husband and he read the CDC sheet and said that he was concerned about the yeast allergy because both him and his mother are allergic to yeast and have several severe food allergies. The doctor told us that does not mean our son has the allergy and she said there is no way he can be tested for the allergy before the administration of the vaccine. She said that if we were concerned about the allergy we HAVE to have to vaccine now or at one month and if he had an allergic reaction now he could go to neonatal and be treated and if we waited until one month he could die on the way to the hospital. Our hospital is a while away because we live about an hour from the city so my husband said she had a valid argument. He accompanied the doctor to the nursery where she administered the vaccine. Afterward my son was extremely tired and cranky and I am worried that he had an adverse reaction. At 26 days old he had his one day appointment (it was early because of scheduling and the fact he was born in February). At this appointment I had to argue with them that he already had the Hep B in the hospital because they said their standard practice was one month. They insisted on giving him a second dose even though I thought it had to be a full month and I asked if it could be delayed since he was breech and in a Pavlov harness. They said no and gave him the vaccine. Afterwards I changed practices after they refused to space the 2 month vaccines over my concern for allergic reactions. I went to a new doctor and got my son the DTAP at 2 months. He screamed for four hours afterward, had a fever, I gave him Tylenol, and I was up all night talking to the on call doctor. She said he was having a normal reaction and to bring him in the next day. I brought him in the next day a Saturday and was told the doctor had left early that day. His reaction was never documented. After all of this I went and got him an exemption because I couldn't sleep at night thinking about the vaccines and I have had nightmares about them especially reading all of the dangers of the hep b at birth including autism. According the doctors now my son is developing normally and is a happy and healthy five month old. I am currently not vaccinating him and am not planning to vaccinate my next baby at all. I still have trouble sleeping and have extreme guilt over getting him the Hep b vaccine at birth and worry about the potential long term effects. Please share your thoughts!
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hi There,

I read your post and I was disappointed ,though not surprised, to hear about this doctor and others trying to force you into vaccinating your baby.

I also gave birth to a baby boy on February 28th and was asked in the hospital if I wished for him to be administered the Hep B vaccine - my reply was a strong and confident NO, which, thankfully - was not questioned.

I think it's extremely unfortunate that so many doctors and nurses today are brainwashed to believe that vaccines are so safe & effective - most of the vaccinations we adminster to our babies today are completely uneccessary, and, all vaccines carry serious risks and side-effects, many of which a blind-eye is turned to by our medical community.

The really scary thing is that the Med Community just keeps allowing the number of vaccines on our childrens 'schedules' to keep increasing. Did you know that in the 1990's there were only 19 scheduled childhood vaccines...well today, there are 39! Thirty-nine shots!!! - all containing high levels of aluminum (a known neurotoxin), animal tissues including - baby cow blood serum, monkey kidney cells, human aborted fetal cells, formaldehyde, MSG and the list goes on and on and on...

I have several recommended reads for you. The book I found most helpful: "The Vaccine Book," by Dr. Sears. Although Dr. Sears claims to be pro-vaccine, I believe that the honesty of his book will really make you think! You will learn that the Hep B shot is the most dangerous vaccine, and, there is absolutely NO REASON to administer it to a newborn (unless the babies mother is Hep B positive)!

In this book, you will also learn about the toxic levels of aluminum all these idiots are subjecting our babies to. No adequate research has been conducted on the short-term and long-term affects of aluminum in our vaccines, but, I can tell you that 25 micrograms is considered safe for a patient to receive on a daily basis via IV...vaccines contain anywhere from 125 - 850 micrograms of aluminum per vaccine!

Other recommended reads: "Vaccines:Are they Safe and Effective," by Neil Miller. I also recommend that you read "How to Raise a Healthy Child Inspite of Your Pediatrician" by the late Dr. Mendelsohn.

I am also studying to become a nurse and I worry that my opposition to vaccinations could negatively affect my career - I am glad though, that I will at least be a strong opposing voice among all these pro-vaxers who have not bothered to conduct their own research about the hazards of vaccinating.

Just look at how many young girls have already died or been paralyzed by the Gardasil vaccine.

I think the time is quickly approaching that health professionals are going to begin thinking twice about pushing vaccines onto their patients as the law-suits surrounding them continue to build...

I am so sorry that someone pushed you to vaccinate your baby.

Dr. Sears also states in his book that if a baby displays a reaction to a vaccine he should not receive another vaccine. He states his strong concern over doctors who continue to push them after a child has experienced an adverse reaction. You were very smart to refuse further vaccinations. Stick with your decision and don't let anyone who will (after you conduct your own reasearch) know much less than you, concerning this subject - sway you to allow your child to be injured!

Good Luck!

Colleen

Just curious to know how many of you all that have declined vaccinations have ever cared for a child who died as a result of not having them? I have and the saddest fact is that it was entirely the parents fault for not having done the RIGHT thing in vaccinating their children. I certainly hope that none of you have to experience this with either a patient or your own children. I've seen it too many time in the picu. A single childs death isn't worth believing all that you read and hear on the internet.......

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER; Primary Care.

I think the vaccine debate can get pretty heated... I agree with what previous posters have said, if you said no to a vaccine, then they can not "force" a vaccination on your child. On the other hand, I do hope you don't let this experience stop you from getting any vaccinations for your baby. People believe in something that is called herd immunity. But in order for this to work, a certain percentage of people need to be vaccinated. There are some children who really *cant* be vaccinated (due to allergies, or other medical conditions), that are put at risk more and more, the more people that decide not to vaccinate for personal reasons. I am sorry that your baby seemed to not be feeling well after having his vaccines, however that is fairly normal. I know when i get a tetorifice injection, or any other injection, it makes me sore for a few days!

There have been outbreaks in different communities of diseases that our generation doesn't even worry about anymore, because we are not old enough to have seen or experienced them. With travel as accessible as it is now, there are many opportunities for these diseases to make their way back here.

Here is just one example - a measles outbreak in Philadelphia from earlier this year, which was triggered by one unvaccinated child. http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/637218.html

Just my opinion! Do whatever you feel is right, we all just want what is best for our babies :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion