Newborn vaccinations | ExpatWoman.com
 

Newborn vaccinations

117
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 09:58

My insurance doesn't cover vaccinations.

Can someone please advise what age a baby should be when it has its first vaccinations?

What vaccinations are given to a newborn?

What is the cost of the vaccinations?

TB vaccination - should I give to my baby or not?

2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 August 2011 - 08:56
I opted not to have TB when I delivered my DS2 at Al Wasl. Lets just say that they were not impressed but too bad! I went to see Dr Keith Nicol who I really trust and he didn't seem to think it was necessary. It's almost two years ago now, but I also said no to the TB vacc at birth at Al Wasl. The paed was (amazingly and impressively!) 100% supportive of my decision.
2782
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 09:45
I should add that Tb vaccine is most effective when given younger, you might want to consider where your home country is as well, whether your child will attend a daycare where it is required, will have a nanny etc, as expats it's tricky because neither the schedule of our home country nor the one of our current country are necessarily appropriate. I would suggest you read up on the risks in each and consider your own situation. Some Drs do seem to take it personally, I can remember the awful pediatrician i saw at one week talk about how I was "denying" my little one vaccines as though it was the same as starving him despite me being his only caregiver in the 2 months I delayed his hep B. He did manage to talk me in the Tb, by relating some anecdote about a housemaid who contracted leprosy, which apparently the BCG vaccine also offers some protection against. ;)
117
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 09:40
Thanks for everyone's advice on vaccinations. I am also not sure whether to give my baby TB when the time comes. Tru Blu - could you please advise why Dr. Keith advised against TB ad his reasoning?
1029
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 August 2011 - 08:45
I opted not to have TB when I delivered my DS2 at Al Wasl. Lets just say that they were not impressed but too bad! I went to see Dr Keith Nicol who I really trust and he didn't seem to think it was necessary.
Anonymous (not verified)
0
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 18:28
I agree with the others, get a govt health card, vaccinations will be free up to the age of 5. You can delay the TB and Hep B until you've sorted it out, the Vit K is given at birth to help prevent against a bleeding disorder in newborns (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004573/). I would say this is very important and should not be delayed - esp if you have a boy and plan to have him circumcised.
2340
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 12:35
The gov't health card is relatively easy to organise and makes short work of the vacc costs. Some will try to tell you TB is compulsory at birth (which it is not) or that the baby must have the TB vacc in order to get a birth cert (also not true). HepB is usually given within days of birth. A Vit K shot is usually given very soon after birth. Vit K is the only one my little one had. Talk to someone in the hospital about which jabs they 'usually' give and when, then research (thoroughly and with the advice of a trusted health care professional) and work out the best schedule for your baby.
1109
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 12:00
details: http://www.dohms.gov.ae/En/servicecatalogue/pages/issuingnewhealthcard-individual.aspx
341
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 11:28
where do you get this card?
1109
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 11:22
to the OP... why don't u get ur baby a government health card... it costs around 110dhs for a year and this entitles ur child to all the mandatory vaccinations for FREE! u will be automatically registered to a government health clinic (not hospital) closest to ur area of residence...
2782
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 August 2011 - 10:16
Mine had the Tb vaccine at 1 week old (I chose to have no vaccinations on his day of birth which is when it is normally given) and suffered no fever or illness from it. Its probably a good idea to have it as in this part of the world there are a lot of people your child will come into contact who are from countries where there is Tb. People are screened for it as part of the Tb process but only healthcare and food workers have repetitive screenings so people could easily pick it up when on vacation etc, not worth the risk and the vaccine itself is low risk although it does leave a small scar. They also like to give hepatitis at birth here, personally I delayed this until he was 2 months (as per the schedule in my home country) as I felt secure he wasn't going to come into contact with anyone during that time but it would depend on your circumstances, if you were travelling etc. At 2 months he had polio, rotavirus (both oral), and 2 injections of combined vaccines. He was quite miserable for a few days after, I think due to the oral vaccines. They also usually give a vitamin K shot at birth, which we did get. No idea on cost sorry, ours was all covered, I do know the at birth vaccines were included in our delivery package though so you might be able to get those paid for?
 
 

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