Quick Guide to Childhood Vaccines From the FDA

There is some good information in this Parent's Guide to Kids' Vaccines, including benefits and risks, types of vaccines, steps to take when your child is vaccinated, and some commonly used vaccines. Adverse reactions, or other problems, suspected to be caused by vaccines should be discussed with your child's health care provider and reported to the Vaccine Adverse Reaction Reporting System (VAERS). Yes, you can file a report anonymously as a consumer. Also, it is ok to ask your health care provider questions about the vaccines if you have concerns. Vaccine information sheets (VIS) are required by federal law to be given to the caregiver prior to vaccination of each vaccine. They are available in languages other than English. Be sure to ask your child's health care provider for a copy of the VIS in your native language, if you prefer.

Mom vs. RPh: the Inner Struggle

My son had a fever Sunday night that lasted until yesterday afternoon. He was cranky, lethargic, and woke up every hour. His rectal temperature was 99.8 degrees F at 10 pm, 101.8 at 3 am on Monday, 101.9 at 9 am, and 98.9 at 3 pm. He had a lot of mucus coming out of his nose and mouth, but other than that no other symptoms. His appetite was decreased, but was still willing to drink.

The mom in me wanted to medicate and make a doctor's appointment ASAP, while the RPh in me wanted to just wait it out; it's probably just a virus. Well, the mom won and gave him 2 doses of acetaminophen. The RPh helped figure out the dose since the label only offered contacting the doctor for children under 2. I used his weight in kg, calculated his dose, and adjusted slightly (he's 30 pounds and only 13 months=old). At 9 am, the mom panicked because the fever was high and a rash was seen. An appointment was made for later that evening. Until then, the pharmacist recommended giving a dose of ibuprofen and giving him a tepid bath.

The mom and RPh came to common ground at 4 pm when the fever broke. Both agreed that the appointment could be given to someone who needed it more. Unfortunately, the engagement could not be broken without a penalty, so I brought him anyway. It turns out he has a left otitis media. What I didn't tell you is that my son had fevers two weeks ago, so he probably had it then, too. In any case, amoxicillin was prescribed. The RPh was ambivalent about starting it, but the mom remembered the colored mucus and misery during the last several weeks. I just have to make sure he doesn't miss any doses and that he completes his 10-day course.

As a mom, I want what is best for my children, and I find that having a background in the health profession helps me make better decisions for them. You, too, can be an informed parent. The information is out there. In fact, many hospitals and general practices have their own web sites to provide you with important information about your child(ren)'s health. Your pediatrician might even have print resources in his office. Some centers have family-oriented libraries. Take a minute to get better acquainted with common illnesses in children and their management. Most of the time, you can treat them at home, but worsening symptoms or changes in behavior warrant a call to the pediatrician.