[bluebird38]

Does anyone know if there are special immunizations that preemies need to receive?

My fd's biomom said that her previous doctor said that the baby needs a shot called sinergus (I'm not sure if she spelled it right.) I've tried searching the internet for it but haven't had any luck. I plan to ask the doctor when I go but I thought maybe in the mean time someone with experience with preemies might know.

Thanks

[bluebird38]

Well, wouldn't you know it. Right after I posted my message I thought that maybe it's a shot for RSV. I found a site that had the name of the medicine in the shot and it had (Synagis) next to it. So, I guess I answered my own question.

Are there any other immunizations that anyone knows of that my fd might need?

Thanks again

[sprouthead]

Yes- it is most likely synagis for RSV- it's a monthly shot. I had a preemie and he didn't receive any extra vaccinations asside from the synagis. That's one to look into though. Insurance doesn't always cover it, and they don't recommend it for all preemies- they have to be born during a certain gestation period or have some other medical conditions. I would ask your dr if your little one qualifies for it and then call your insurance and ask if they'll pay for it.

[Gentin]

My bio son was born at 29 weeks and he got the Synagis shot for RSV for 9 months - I was lucky our insurance covered 100 % of the shot which is not normal!! The shots were around $1000 per month 6.5 years ago. Other than that he received no other extra shots.

[SarahBethsMommy]

synagis isn't a vaccine either. It helps prevent and lessen the effects of RSV but may not stop it all together which is why you have to get it once a month. It costs around $1600 a shot and insurance doesn't approve most children.

My DD was born at 27 weeks and had severe lung issues so she got it for two winters in a row. But few kids qualify for it.

[karla-k]

Look into it. Our 30 weeker had this 9 years ago b/c she had to go to daycare.

Our 35 weeker who just turned 2 had it two years ago b/c although he stayed home with me, his older sibling attends public school and they carry home all kinds of fun bugs

we had different insurance carriers each time and they both covered 100%.

I think 35 weeks is the most mature preemie that meets the recommended guidelines, but if you have other kids coming in and out of your home, your insurance might cover it. $2000 a month for the shot is a lot less expensive than a ICU stay for a preemie who contracts RSV.


karla

[shy_bear]

My son got it last year; b/c he was not legally adopted yet he was covered under Medicaid and they paid for it 100%. He had a home nurse come out once a month, weigh him, check his vitals, and give him the shot.

[devildogwife]

My son has very severe cardiac issues and is getting synagis again for the second winter in a row. Like another poster said, it's not a vaccine. It's to lessen the severity if the baby comes down with RSV. Synagis is covered 100% by our insurance too. It's SO important to get it every month. I know that the majority of preemies and all of the heart babies at our children's hospital get it.

[carlychan]

This is a little OT from the original question, but here goes. My FS received the RSV shot last winter. When I requested it this year (I was told he would need it again) the nurse called and asked if he was on oxygen, etc. She said if he didn't have any breathing/health concerns he would not qualify this year. Should I push to get him vaccinated this year? He is not in daycare and my kids are mostly homeschooled. Thanks!

[SarahBethsMommy]

Did he have any breathing issues this year? As in, how many times did he get brochitis or something like that which required a steriod dose to knock it out? There are some medications that if they have been prescribed do qualify you for those shots.

However, if he isn't getting sick often and since he isn't around lots of other kids often you probably won't have to be so worried about it. Just make sure you wash hands like crazy and cover your house in germ-x for your other kids. If anyone gets sick try to not let them around the baby as much as possible. Certainly don't let sick people breathe on the baby. Those precautions should save you from more than just RSV too.

[carlychan]

Thanks, Beth. He is VERY healthy considering his prematurity. He has only been ill (like a bad cold) once since we were placed with him last December. He does seem pretty healthy. Thanks for your advice

[chevyjewel]

Originally Posted by SarahBethsMommy

synagis isn't a vaccine either. It helps prevent and lessen the effects of RSV but may not stop it all together which is why you have to get it once a month. It costs around $1600 a shot and insurance doesn't approve most children.

My DD was born at 27 weeks and had severe lung issues so she got it for two winters in a row. But few kids qualify for it.

MA covers it completely, all foster children recieve MA and all premies born before a certain week-age, and under a certain weight are approved for it.

At least I've never heard of one being turned down for it.


It's essential if you've got a premie OP that she gets them. I agree with the previous poster that said it's well worth it as a NICU stay for RSV is horrific.

We had premie twins as our very first placements and it was AWESOME our county was also able to arrange an RN to come into our home once a month and administer the shots there so we didn't have to drag them into the filthy docs office so many times. She too would check their weights (because the dosage is determined off of that) vitals and then call in to confirm the dosage. Took about an hour once a month, piece of cake and well worth what the shots offered them in the way of added resistance to RSV. Check into it!

[SarahBethsMommy]

Originally Posted by chevyjewel

MA covers it completely, all foster children recieve MA and all premies born before a certain week-age, and under a certain weight are approved for it.

At least I've never heard of one being turned down for it.


It's essential if you've got a premie OP that she gets them. I agree with the previous poster that said it's well worth it as a NICU stay for RSV is horrific.

We had premie twins as our very first placements and it was AWESOME our county was also able to arrange an RN to come into our home once a month and administer the shots there so we didn't have to drag them into the filthy docs office so many times. She too would check their weights (because the dosage is determined off of that) vitals and then call in to confirm the dosage. Took about an hour once a month, piece of cake and well worth what the shots offered them in the way of added resistance to RSV. Check into it!

That is great! In Alabama I know many preemies who are in foster care who have not gotten the shots. However most of those kids were not born with any kind of lung issues really (off the vent and O2 within the day or week) or born at much later gestations (33 weeks and beyond).

I totally agree you should fight for it. RSV is a nasty nasty virus and not something you want to play around with. I think it is silly we have this shot and yet most kids can't get it. I think all newborns should get it as they are ALL suseptable to getting RSV.