Pre-conception Vaccinations

[belle75]

Hi guys,

Just wondering what vaccinations everyone has had prior to TTC?

DH and I planned TTC in Aug 2006. The Doc did blood test for iron, thyroid, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella). I later found out in September 07 (!) that I wasn't immune to chickenpox, so gave TTC a rest to get my 2 shots of chickenpox vaccine.

We are now thinking of going on holiday to Vietnam ( ) for our 5th wed anniversary, but am concerned about vaccinations needed. i will probably need thyphoid, cholera, hep a & b. However we are TTC

So , what routine vaccinations has everyone had prior to TTC? Tetanus and Hep B might be important before TTC?

Thanks guys.

[belle75]

Am I the only one who obsesses about things like this?

[Muppity]

Hi Belle

Sorry - I didn't see this one before now.

I always have my "standard" vacs up to date so didn't get any specifically before TTCing - but did get a blood test to check my immunity levels.

But, if you are going overseas go to a travel doctor and let them know that you are TTCing. There are generally OK ones that you can take. If there are any live vaccines then you have to take a couple of months off afterwards - but the travel Dr's know all about it.

In relation to tetanus and Hep B their importance depends on your risk factors. But if you are stressing about it then it may be worth getting them so that you don't obsess about it when you fall pregnant. But I am pretty sure that you would have to take a TTC break after each of those (and from memory Hep B is a series of 3 over a couple of months - but the mind is a little fuzzy this morning)

HTH

[belle75]

Thanks Muppity. I don't really want to wait another 6 months to TTC (Hep B is over 6 months for max immunity I was told)! I guess I shouldn't stress too much. Just wanted to know if other girls had got their Hep B as standard routine. My Ob didn't think I should bother right now, but then he thinks everyone should get Hep B Vaccination Risks are minimal for me, as it is only spread through blood/body fluids, injections.

[farmgirl77]

Hi Belle,

Before TTC, I had my immunity checked for the normal range of stuff, but I have a few issues eg having had chicken pox twice, no rubella antibodies (although after 3 vaccinations that is now sorted), Hep B not working and having no tetanus antibodies either (found that out ages ago when went to donate plasma at blood bank and they were asking why I had never been vaccinated - although i had through school and then prior to os holidays). Despite this, my GP was not worried (once the rubella was ok) about us TTC.

Re Hep B - I think that it is this one which does not always work for people - dont remember the % of people that have the jabs that dont respond, but it is not 100% affective (but check with your dr). So based on that, I would not let it stop you trying - but you need to decide that with your dr.

As for the travel stuff - i agree with Muppity - let the doctor know and take their advice.

Good luck and hope you get to go on that holiday!

[belle75]

Thanks farmgirl. I'll go see a travel dr asap.