I know this has been a matter of contention of late, but after years of trying to fall pregnant we finally conceived! It has been a rough start - horrendous hyperemesis that has taken its toll on my body. I have a child, from a long time ago, so I have been here before but because it has been so long I feel like I am doing it for the first time again. So last time I didn't worry about whooping cough for my extended family, but this time I am quite concerned. I have read some sad stories of families losing their newborns as someone didn't get their booster, or babies in ICU fighting for their lives. Problem is I feel like some of my family may get offended if I say they can't see bubs if they don't get their shot. Especially over the Christmas period when bubs is due... How do I broach the subject? I know this is my baby and my decision so if certain family members are upset I want to be able to explain to them the devastating effects it could potentially have. It's a tough one, I have never been in this position before and want to do it the right way, both for bubs and family. I would love people's thoughts on if they did or didn't ask for family to get boosters. I understand some people may feel very strongly about this so I am not looking to start a heated debate, more I want to see what other people's experiences were in this area. Thanks! xx
Whooping cough vaccine for general family - newborn due before christmas
Whooping cough vaccine for general family - newborn due before christmas
Posted in:
Pregnancy, Baby & Toddler
2 Replies
I didn't but would now!
I'd head over to the Light for Riley Facebook page. They have a lot of resources on this topic.
Most adults don't realise there immunity is most likely non existent. Whooping cough in adults can sound like a minor cough.
I would bring it up at family gatherings about how frightened you are about whooping cough how you'd be devastated if you could t protect your baby. Talk to them about how you wil be getting you and your family will be getting boosters. Set the seed in there mind. If you and they are on Facebook share some articles about whooping cough. Get them thinking.
Once you've set the idea in place then tell them, sorry I'm going to do what ever I can to protect my baby and others from whooping cough. Id love you to meet the baby as soon as practical after she/he is born, would you mind getting your immunity checked/booster so you can do that sooner rather than waiting until baby has had its vaccine.
I was pretty blunt about it with my family when I had bub last year. They were told to get the vaccination or they wouldn't be able to see bub until after her 6 week needles. I told them why I was concerned but I made it very clear it was non negotiable. I only asked the grandparents and aunts and uncles as they would be the ones spending a lot of time with us. Everyone was really good about it, I got teased for being overprotective but they all did as they were asked. The local immunisation nurse was very impressed at the number of people coming though and congratulated me!
A lot of adults don't even realise that they need boosters. I didn't! In some states I believe parents and grandparents can get it for free to