Hi Sam,

We asked my parents who will be the main carers besides me and DH to get the immunisation too (cause I am having a c-section, I need some help with DD jic anyone was wondering why my parents will be main carers).. That was all good until my Mum was waiting nearly 3 months for the vaccine as there was a shortage. Thankfully it came 2 days before she left to go to Dubbo to help my brother out for a while..

But when it was looking like she may not get the vaccine in time, I was discussing this with the pharmacist that I always go to about my concern. He advised that although the best protection is the vaccine, if the caregivers are not in regular contact with children, and are very cautious about hygiene when in public places, then the chances of them contracting it and passing on are considerably lower. Also the vaccine doesn't stop you getting the disease, just a more mild dose of it.

My SIL knows our feelings on this and was considering getting the vaccine just so she could bring the kids down to see the new baby.. I told her the decision was hers and I wasn't going to force the issue. Both her kids are immunised and even though she works in a hospital she is on a ward (not A&E) so the chances of somebody having it and it not being known about and her contracting it are quite low (and I can't expect someone to pay $80 for the one that includes some other vaccines as well, just because the basic whooping cough one is out of stock).

Now my il's (who my DH asked to consider the vaccine), is another story that I won't go into here, but will send you a message on FB today or tomorrow..