Vaccines Galore!

After speaking with my doctor yesterday, Neil and I learned a lot more about what we're going to be faced with having a pre-37 week baby.

First of all, as with all pregnancies, Neil and I (as well as all family members will plan to be close with the baby, i.e. grandparents and aunts and uncles) are encouraged to get a flu shot (check!) as well as the adult pertussis vaccine.  Neil has already received his TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) several weeks ago and I will receive mine once I am in postpartum.  Mom and Dad got theirs when Eli was born and Grandma and Grandpa Barnes are planning to get theirs before the dude is born.  Pertussis (or whopping cough) is a scary condition that can result in infant death.

Next on the list is vaccines Jimmer will need.  Since infants cannot have a flu shot until 6 months...and Jimmer will be born into flu season...I went ahead and got the flu shot while pregnant so he could receive the antibodies.  He will also get more antibodies from colostrum and breastmilk once he's born.  Then, at the first few doctor's appointments, he'll receive several other recommended vaccines.  Among these is a vaccine that I never knew about!  One that is recommended for all babies, but especially important for babies born prior to 37 weeks.  It's call the RSV Vaccine (respiratory syncytial virus vaccine) which is a respiratory disease that's season starts in November and ends in March.    Which means Mr. Jimmer will be getting the vaccine every month during those months.  And what's even better...it's a costly one!  We're talking $8,000 PER DOSE.  Let's do a little math...$8,000 x 5 months = $40,000.  So let's see...send our kiddo to college or get this vaccine?!  Ahh, decisions...  SO THANKFUL FOR HEALTH INSURANCE!!!!!  And so thankful for Cummins commitment to preventative care!  Makes the decision on whether or not to get the vaccine an easy one...of course, we had already decided to get it regardless...I'd rather not see Jimbo in the hospital because he developed the disease!

So, yesterday was a big day!  We learned a lot about our little bundle of joy and it just makes his arrival that much more exciting!!!!  I can't wait to see our little guy! :)