[**Jenn**]

We decided when Loch was 9 months old that he and any future children would not have any vaccines til age 3 and then we'd decide then what we wanted for them. So that includes Lila not getting any vax until she's 3. However, I don't know if anyone remembers but my FIL was dx with Hep B just before Christmas (something he contracted through blood transfusion during his bypass surgery in late July). So now I'm torn on whether or not to give Lila the Hep B vax when she's born. We live with my in laws so she'd be around him all the time. Just not sure what to do about this one. Any thoughts?

[~*sierra*~]

how is hepB transmitted? if it were me i would probably vaccinate her in that case.

[soImarriedAnerd]

I personally would still not vaccinate with a FIL being positive. I would only give it if the person who was a primary caregiver or sibling would have it. How much is FIL around and active with the kids?

[bittersweet]

Err...I think if I were me I would. The probablity of her getting it from him is very low, but since you live with them, its a higher risk than the average baby has of being exposed.

If something were to happen, I would have a really hard time forgiving myself.

[*kyle*]

I would definitely vaccinate for any illness that I knew my child would be in regular contact with. I think the risks are too high and if she contracted it, it would cause a lot more damage than just the vaccine is likely to cause.

Keep in mind that I, personally, generally support spacing and giving vax one at a time but not skipping them altogether.

[Adriana's Mommy]

It up to you.. I would get the vaccine if my baby was exposed to it.. With A.J, he's getting all of his shots because he goes to daycare for hospital staff.. Who knows what a child can bring in.. It's better safe then sorry..

There's a baby in A.J's play room suffering from RSV.. As you know, there's no treatment for RSV.. You just treat the symptoms.. Poor guy can't breath and is constantly on a nebulizer (which is expensive) and is now having problems eating.. He's only 4 months old and losing weight and he has been battling this for a month now.. His mom is also a stay at home mom and her husband brought it home from work..

I'm just telling you this so you can be aware of what can happen if you decide to skip.. I do believe it's a personal decision but it's a good idea to know what can happen if you decline certain vaccines..

[soImarriedAnerd]

Thats RIGHT you live with FIL.... when I listed primary cargivers/siblings I was thinking people you live with. So I would probably get it at a couple months old instead of waiting 3 yrs.

[Mars]

I don't know how to respond since I'm doing the vaccination thing but if it were me and I has chosen not to but someone in my immediate circle had an illness that made the situation more vulnerable, I would get the vaccination for that particular illness. Good luck in your decision.

[Mod-LadyCoconut]

We have declined it for Lily for now & I'm in the "selective, delayed, one at a time" boat... w/ that said I'd probably get it if I were you simply b/c that particular vax, while I feel generally unnecessary for babies due to how its transmitted... isn't one we feel is particularly risky either. In your scenario, living w/someone w/ hep I think the risk of her getting it are greater than any risks from the vax.

[**jessie**]

I would give it to her at birth. The vaccine is really safe. Yes, the risk is low of her getting it from your fil, but I don't think its worth the risk when there is such an easy and safe preventative out there.

[sara~b]

I see no reason for you to give her it even though you live with FIL. It is only spread by blood to blood contact and, rarely, through sex. So if your FIL has a cut then he should keep it covered. But unless your baby has an open wound and your FIL touches his open wound to your baby's there is NO chance of transmission and even if he did it would still be super LOW risk. And unless you have it she will not get it during delivery. I am Hep C positive and it drives me nuts when people act super cautious like I'm going to spread it to them or their children somehow! Hepatitis is super hard to spread unless you get a blood transfusion or use an infected needle. Using nail clippers from an infected person, kissing an infected person, sharing a plate or fork with an infected person... none of it will infect you or your baby. Even transmission during birth is rare. It's less than 5%. If you're against vaxing then don't do it. You're not worried about Liam and Lochlann right? You don't think they got it before you knew FIL had it? Of course not! No need to sweat it!

[Resi]

My first thought was to get it.. but it's a slim chance she would get it from him.. It's a tough call but maybe better safe than taking the risk.

[.Brandi.]

Well, at this point, we have become an NON vax family since Preston had a seizure from vax and we delayed his...the stupid doctor gave him the dose he was on (which was 6 months) and his 12 months....he was 18 months. This was just last November. I would say no...but if you're not sure, get The Vaccine Book by Dr. Sears. I bought it for this reason....you can also get it at the library....if you want, I can type out the Hep B chapter and send it to you.

[**Jenn**]

Thanks for all your input everyone, I really appreciate it. After talking it over with Ian and my MIL (she's a physician's assistant but very natural and homeopathic) I think we're going to go ahead and get her vaccinated at birth. Both the boys received it at birth and neither one of them have ever had any ill effects from vaccines. I think there are very few vaccines we will outright decline, I just want to delay for a while so we're not introducing these things in our tiny baby and give their bodies and immune systems a chance to mature some first. If we didn't live with my in laws I probably wouldn't bother but that's not the case and she'll be around him all the time. Also the nature of his job is very physical and he often will cut himself and not realize it. A couple of you hit the nail on the head for me, that if we don't vax and for some remote reason she gets it I would never forgive myself. Thanks again, you all helped me think a little more clearly!

[JediRach]

I would get it in this instance.

[*krista*]

I think you are making a good decision. I'm not necessarily a vax supporter (haven't done my research yet), but I think I would definitely get it in your case.