Vaccines

Today, we returned from our three-day trek to spend Thanksgiving with my family. It was great fun seeing Buzzy and her sister play with the aunts, uncles, and cousin. It was even better knowing that we didn't have to worry about Buzzy getting sick. She is past the point that we have to worry about one of the top fears concerning a premature baby: RSV.

Though it may not be commonly known, RSV is a common occurrence among babies, both full-term and premature. For most full-term babies, RSV will likely only show up as a simple cold. If a preemie gets RSV, however, he or she will likely end up back in the hospital fighting for his or her life.

Because of her low birth weight, Buzzy qualified for the RSV shot. This is an expensive shot that is not available to all babies. It is not included on the list of vaccines a baby needs before his or her first birthday. Yet, it is probably the most important vaccine Buzzy got. Last fall and winter, she received five doses, and the only illness we had to battle was a recurring ear infection.

This year, we do not qualify, and we do not have to worry so much about Buzzy catching something life-threatening. I am glad for that. It was not much fun watching her get any of her shots, but the RSV one was particularly painful to watch because the nurse actually came to our house to inflict this pain on our child. Yet, watching a healthy toddler running to catch up to her older sister and cousin makes it all worth it. I hope everyone had as good a Thanksgiving as I did.