A Zero Sum Choice

Monday, January 3, 2011
I have a problem. I'm mildly allergic to the tetanus vaccination. My arm swells up and turns a most unattractive shade of red. It's not a life-threatening reaction, but it was sufficient for our family doctor to recommend the administration of the vaccine only on a reactive basis rather than proactive one.

I've always been okay with that, until the recent outbreak of pertussis in California encouraged me to get a booster. I hadn't had that vaccine since boot camp, and I felt compelled to put my money where my mouth is when it comes to herd immunity. So off I went to my GP to request the booster.

The only vaccination they had on-hand was the DTaP, a combination vaccine that included the tetanus component. I asked my GP to see if Kaiser could order a vaccine for me that excluded the tetanus component. She did so, and guess what? There's no such thing, not even for children. All current vaccines in this country that contain the pertussis component ALSO contain the tetanus component.

This really pisses me off - I'm at a point in my life where babies are starting to make appearances. My cousin and his wife recently had a darling baby boy, and my Smart BIL and his Awesome, Awesome Wife are also expecting. Eventually, the Smart Twins may choose to have families of their own. And I'm not immunized. 

What kind of Cool Auntie would I be, exposing the babies in my life to a hotbed of pertussis and diphtheria germs? A very bad Auntie, that's what kind. So do I take the chance and get the vaccine, or skip it and resign myself to minimal contact with the babies in my life until after their first birthday?

Man, that second option just blows. 

4 comments:

John the Scientist said...

I'd consult an MD immunologist about the tetanus vaccine. Of all the vaccines I know about (cautioning you that it's not my field) it's the one with the most reactions, but most of those do not wind up being life threatening.

I don't get red, but my whole arm freezes up for about a week after the damn thing, like I've been kicked by a mule on steriods, and that reaction has happened twice, so I expect it in the future. Speaking of which, I'm about due for a tetanus booster before I head off to BFE Asia in April. Thanks, for the reminder, Janiece. :p

Janiece said...

John, I plan on going back to discuss it before my Cool Niece or Nephew is born. I do not want to miss out out baby-time.

Anne C. said...

Ever since I met a friend with allergies so bad she carries an epi pen with her everywhere, any allergy that doesn't carry a death sentence is a choice/quality of life question in my mind. In the case of my own allergies (which exist, but I don't know the cause of), I say "would I rather sneeze less or have companionship from the cats?" As I'm sure you've guessed, I choose the latter.
I got the DTaP myself last year (ironically, I wanted the tetanus booster and got the others as a bonus ;) but don't remember them telling me how often you would need a booster. How often would you need to subject yourself?

Janiece said...

Anne, boosters are recommended every ten years. I'll make an appointment for later in the month and let everyone know what my doc says...