Discussion Forums > Thalassemia Major

Immunizations for 2 month old

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Himanshu Kumar:

--- Quote from: BabyI on January 21, 2013, 11:04:36 PM ---So far I haven't given any. Still scared too. But now that my baby is transfusing I don't see the point. She has to get new blood, so why immunize when she can't keep anything in her system?

--- End quote ---

Suggest you find out about the mandatory vaccinations in your country and go for immunisation of your child. Blood transfusion does not impact immunity in any way. Once immunisation is done, the immunity doesn't go down with declining HB.  As result of immunisation the body develops antibodies to fight against specific infections and that has nothing to do with RBCs in the body. Your child will be able to keep the immunity in the system despite regular transfusions.

BabyI:
Thank you for the information. I will take it into consideration.

Andy... I know there is a phamphlet on recommended shots for thals but I wanted to ask your personal opinion on the matter. Besides Hep B. which other shots do you think thals MUST get to stay healthy and not get problems from transfusions? Thanks.

Andy Battaglia:
These are the recommendations from The Standards of Care Guidelines for Thalassemia.


--- Quote ---17 Vaccinations
Optimal immunization is critical for all patients with thalassemia,
especially transfused patients and individuals who have been
splenectomized. Prior to splenectomy patients should receive the
meningococcal conjugate vaccine and should be up to date for Hib
and pneumococcal vaccines.
Routine pediatric immunizations should be current and
vaccination records should be checked annually. Beginning at
two months of age, patients should be given 7-valent conjugate
pneumococcal vaccine as recommended. A booster with 23-valent
vaccine should be administered at 24 months. Pnuemovax
boosters should be considered every five to ten years. Check
the pneumococcal titers following immunization. Severe local
reactions can indicate high titer.
Patients need to be immunized against hepatitis A and B,
especially patients on chronic transfusions. Annual monitoring
of titers and booster immunizations, when indicated, will ensure
patients are well protected. Individuals who are HIV positive or
undergoing treatment for hepatitis C should not receive live virus
vaccines. An annual influenza vaccination and annual PPD should
also be administered. Particular attention should be given to the
H1N1 virus, as this pathogen may cause more severe symptoms in
patients with thalassemia.
--- End quote ---

Cari:
I was just starting to research the harmful effects of vaccines as well so I'm glad I found this thread. 

Andy,  Is the flu shot okay for thals? 

Andy Battaglia:
The SOC Guidelines do require a flu vaccination annually. My advice is ask for the shot with no preservatives, so no mercury is used.

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