Dr. Lynn Cates
Specializing in pediatric infectious diseases and childhood immunizations.
|
|
 Ask Dr. Cates
Immunizations When Child Is Sick | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Cates,
My granddaughter is two months old, has green mucus coming from her nose, and has sounded congested for the last two weeks. Her doctor said it is allergies. I don't agree with her. The baby doesn't have a fever. It sure sounds like a cold to me. Also she is supposed to have her two-month shots next week. Can she have them if she's this way? Does it matter if she has the shots a month later than she's supposed to?— Concerned Grandma in Morton Grove, Illinois | | | ANSWER |
May 14, 2001 | | | Dear Concerned Grandma,
I'm sorry to hear that your granddaughter has been sick for two weeks, but I'm glad you asked about whether or not her immunizations need to be delayed. It is not possible for me to judge whether or not they should be postponed for your granddaughter since I have not had the opportunity to see her but, in general, immunizations do not need to be postponed because of mild illnesses--whether or not the child has a fever. Good studies have shown that routine childhood immunizations are safe and effective even when given to children who have minor illnesses. This is a good thing, since it would be very hard indeed to fully protect children if their immunizations had to be delayed every time they got sick.
As to what is causing her mucus and congestion, it can be very hard to tell whether someone has allergies or a cold, although it is unusual for infants this young to have allergies.— by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
|
