[cgcva]

Hi everyone,

A question about vaccination records:

Miranda has been home for two months now (and we are loving every minute with her!). I recently took her to our pediatrician and he pronounced her "perfect" and "beautiful" which was wonderful, of course. But he was a bit puzzled by her vaccination record, which simply stated that she had received meningitis vaccines. He said there are three types, and without knowing which type she had, he would have to re-immunize her. Of course, I'd rather avoid that. So I asked my agency and they emailed the Guatemalan doctor, but I think we all know what the chances are of that coming through. My pediatrician said the three types of vaccines are: Meningococcus, Pneumococcus, and Haemophilus. Did any of your records indicate that your baby received one or more of these specific meningitis vaccines?

Thanks very much for any information you can give.

Best to all!

Cathy

[avoel]

It is most likely the Haemophilis (H flu) vaccine since that is the one routinely given to babies. The Pneumococcal one does not seem to be used in Guat. yet that I have seen and the meningococcal is only give to kids over two and not routinely. It is highly advisable to have your childs immunization titers checked to be sure that all the vaccines given were actually given and effective. It is a simple blood test that takes all the guesswork of trying to decide which immunizations need repeated if any. Totally worth it for the peace of mind in my book.

[lotterino]

I just checked my daughter's records and yes, it was the Haemophilus one, given in 3 doses.

[Smylinatya]

My DR is in the process of revaccinating our son. It wasn't my desire to have that happen but she was concerned that the vacines he may have received may have been expired and/or not up to our 'standards'. She is involved in the medical missions that go to Guatemala and I guess I feel pretty comfortable that she knows the conditions. She has been a great source of knowledge for us.

Jenn

[wannahave3]

Our son's record said the same thing - meningitis. I emailed Dr. MOntiel and he said it was the Hib. Is that the same thing as the Haemophilus??

[avoel]

Yes Shannon.

[cgcva]

You are all so great. Thanks very much. I'll pass on this info to my doctor. And yes, I will ask to have the titers checked as well.

Thanks again,

Cathy

[qs mom]

My son is adopted internationally, but not from Guat. There was a discrepancy on whether he had pertusis or not. We ran titers.

If there is any question, have the titers checked on everything. Then you will know, without a doubt, exactly what your child has immunity for and what he/she does not.

The needle stick once for the blood is less invasive than re-doing everything, in my opinion.