How to avoid my baby getting a Hep B shot at the hospital?

Matty - posted on 03/06/2013

just because you and your sisters reacted poorly doesnt mean that your child will. those vaccines were what at least like 20 to 30 years ago when you got them? medicine is coming around. and you never said anything wrong happened with your cousins girlfriends baby girl after getting the shot. with the day in age we live in with diseases around every corner, drugs everywhere, and once they get into school? and not to sound like a dick but you live in Florida. Enough said.

Agrippine - posted on 02/24/2013

Charlene, if you are not comfortable with shots nobody can force you! Are you in the US? then look at the laws of your state, anyway these laws are only for daycare and school attendance and usually you can use an exemption.
I refused all shots, at the hospital it seemed like they didn't care much, our pediatrician wasn't happy and made me sign some stupid form which I understand now I absolutely didn't have to sign.
Good luck! Do your research and do the shots only when you understand what you are doing and believe that you are doing it for the good of your child. My friend's daughter got a very severe skin allergy after the shots and you think their pediatrician cares much about it? She just prescribed hormones and I'm sure she sleeps well at night, it's not her problem.

Charlene - posted on 02/23/2013

I just got my 2 month olds shots and shes really pale and sleeping alot more than usual. I do NOT want to have her shots anymore with severe reactions like this (everything Ive looked up said those were severe) but am scared that you have to legally have them. Does anyone know if its the law to have shots? I heard she wont be allowed to enroll in school without them too. If its not illegal to skip them, is there anything I should worry about like Child Protective Services? Please help

Sara - posted on 09/20/2012

Tell them you don't want it and don't sign the consent form for it. They can't make you.

Apryl - posted on 09/12/2012

I also have this problem I'll be giving birth soon, it seems like there's no way out if I refuse this mercury toxic shot (hep b) for my son that causes brain damage years later, then they will most likely threaten me with dcyf

Tracey - posted on 07/16/2010

Also, there is no reason that a newborn child should get a Hep B shot if the mother doesn't have it and he hasn't had a blood transfusion. It's absolutely ridiculous the shots that are "required" today.

One thing to think about, however, with the shots is that it is really important that you keep your child away from all people who are sick and also from kids who are just newly vacinated. You have to keep them in a bubble for a little while, but its worth it. If you are going to take your child to day care, I suggest that you do the shots.

Tracey - posted on 07/16/2010

Good for you! We chose to do (or not do) the same thing. We spoke with our doctor beforehand (the pediatrician) and he said that he would mark it in his records and let the hospital know. He also told us to make up a delivery plan that specifically stated everything that we wanted and didn't want done and we then handed it to the nurses before delivery. You might even speak with the hospital to see what their policies are. If they will push you to do it, move on to another hospital.

Know that they will push about 10 shots on you (your baby) that very first day! It's ludicrous. We told them no to each and every one and they didn't push it.

Stand strong! Don't let them bully you into doing something that you don't think is best for your child.

Katelin - posted on 07/16/2010

I ended up calling the hospital where I was planning on having my baby and asking them what I needed to do so that my baby wouldn't get the shot at the hospital. They told me that they had a paper for me to sign saying whether or not I wanted him to have it. It might be as simple as that, they have a lot of paperwork for you to sign as you're going into labor (or if you're already in it) and you might be to hurried to actually look over it.

You could always tell them that you want your baby's pediatrician to oversee all of the shots he gets. The first Hep B shot is supposed to be given from 0 days to 2 weeks so that would be plausible.

Agrippine - posted on 07/15/2010

I was going to have my baby at the hospital where my friend did and I want to delay the shot. But she said nobody even told her they are going to give Hep shot, they just did it, she found out about that leaving the hospital. I'm thinking to change the doctor, how I will make sure another hospital wouldn't be that bad too? is there any site where I can find information about that? Or maybe someone would share their positive experience (I live in Ohio)

Caron - posted on 10/02/2009

I had an option on rather or not if I wanted to have it done at my preadmission to the hospital.

Mel - posted on 10/02/2009

Actually everywhere in Australia you have choice. The law in Australia is that the parent makes the decision whether their child will be vaccinated or not. If you are under the impression you had no choice then you have been given the wrong information. It is not best for the child, I disagree completely. I do feel concerned that you have been given the impression that you had no choice

Rebecca - posted on 10/01/2009

well in nsw hep b u have no choice its best for ur child the best thing is they give it when there born soo if they do react they can respond to it straight away

Angela - posted on 10/01/2009

It should just be enough for you to say No Thanks I choose to not have my son vaccinated.
I too had a very bad reaction to vaccines as a child. The only shot that my son got was the Vitamin K shot at birth.
If you can't be with your son then make sure that your husband is with him at all times to ensure that your wishes are upheld.
Seriously, just tell them what you want.

Nicole - posted on 10/01/2009

I had my baby at home with a midwife so she did not receive a hep B shot at birth. I did, however, choose to vaccinate her once she started going to her well child check ups. Anyway, I discussed with the midwife about how to avoid the shots if I had to go to the hospital for some reason and she said that we should tell them it is against our religious beliefs but you said you already discussed that with the health dept. Maybe go to the hospital you plan on delivering at and go over your birth plan with them and throw in the religion factor while you're at it. It makes sense, you know some religions refuse certain medical treatments. Or, is it possible to have your baby at home with your midwife? It's not so bad and your baby never has to leave your side like in the nasty old hospital. BTW, this was also in central FL. Best of luck to you!

Mel - posted on 10/01/2009

Actually vaccines are made with harmful additives that break down the immune system and only last for a short period of time. Why would you also get the hep B vaccine anyway, unless you and/or members of your house have hep B themselves? That is the only time it is recommended. Vaccines make a lot of money for pharmaceutical companies, make sure you do your research first as just because someone says it does something doesn't mean it actually works that way. I won't have my son vaccinated as long as vaccines continue to contain additives like anti freeze to make them last longer and aluminium to break down the immune system for 'ease' of delivery. This is only used as it's cheaper than the alternatives, allowing more money to be made from vaccines. I bet your paediatrician doesn't tell you about those additives unless you specifically ask either

Mel - posted on 10/01/2009

I don't know about the American system but in Australia you have to sigh a permission form for before the vaccine can be administered, they can't give it without it. I don't know who the DCF is, but it's your child and despite what anyone says in the hospital you know your child best. I'd say there's a good chance it's an empty threat so stick to your guns and still decline the shot if they threaten and then see what really happens. Another way to possibly get around this is to request an official letter from the doctors, midwives and anyone involved in pressuring you about the vaccine that states they will take legal liability for any harmful side affects that occur as a result of the vaccine AND that they will cover all financial costs involved. See what happens when you request that. Hopefully they might back down and leave you alone. By the way, have you heard about the new study that has just come out suggesting a 3 fold increase in autism rates for boys who have the hep B shot at birth? Stand your ground, this is really important

Heather - posted on 10/01/2009

My daughter did NOT recieve her Hep B at the hospital. She didn't get any shots until she was 2 months old. I wanted to wait until she was bigger. No one cared at the hospital I was at (in Georgia). There is no law saying you HAVE to vaccinate your children.

Dawn - posted on 09/30/2009

you have to sign a waiver. you have the right to refuse a hep b shot.

Jess - posted on 09/30/2009

i was actually in the opposite situation with my daughter. they automatically give the vitamin K injection but didnt give the Hep B injection unless I specifically asked. i wanted my daughter to get it as due to my family history (having Australian Indigenous blood, although slightly 'distant') she is at a higher risk of developing certain diseases and infections. i asked them to do it..they didnt--i only realised cos i checked her book before we lefted and asked why they hadnt........and then they did it.



and we had put it in our birthplan--they still didnt listen.

so if u have made an informed decision not to give your child that injection then tell them--as many times as you have to! be prepared to explain why you dont want it done--as there are some...not so happy .. medical staff out there. but when it comes to it, if you have made an informed decision to do or not to do something regarding your child, you are his/her parents and as long as it isnt putting them in any danger it is your right to do what you want in regards to your own child!!!

Leah - posted on 09/30/2009

I would speak to your pediatrician before you refuse any vaccinations

Sheena - posted on 09/29/2009

First of all you have the right to refuse any and all medical treatment! It is call "patient rights." But honestly I dont know why you would not allow your child to get this vaccine. Just because you and your sister have issues with vaccines doesnt mean your children will. The immunizations are out here to protect them from getting these horrible diseases.



Fully immunizing your child according to the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics can help protect your child from many common infections. These infections can lead to serious and even life threatening complications. Although the vaccines may have mild side effects and more rarely, serious complications, in general, it is safer to immunize your children than allow them to get any of the infections that they prevent.



Why risk your childs life???? Just some thoughts and JMO. Good luck!

Michelle - posted on 09/29/2009

I got it for both of my kids. But it was something where they asked if we wanted it and we had to fill out a consent form (which included an option to check that you didn't want it). It's supposed to be offered as an option, not a mandatory shot. I guess it depends on laws of your state. They cannot force you to vaccinate your child. If you choose not to do it, just be strong with the medical staff (who I'm sure will tell you what ever they think will get you to do what they want you to do). They cannot take your child or refuse to release them over a vaccine. You will probably have to sign a paper saying that the vaccine was offered to you and you elected not to do it (for liability purposes). You can put it in your birth plan, but be vocal about your wishes too.

Bethany - posted on 09/29/2009

Quoting Chelle:

It really depends on your states laws and regulations. In our state we were allowed to refuse and I didn't have to have a waiver. We have since selectivly vaxed our son. But my son hasn't had the hep A or B shots. But ultimately it's your kid, but check into what the laws say in your state about it.

The only mandatory vaccine laws are for school aged-children.  To enroll in public school they are technically required to get all the vaccines.  Then you would have to sign a religious or philosophical waiver to not get them unless you homeschool.  But for infants and children not attending public school, there are no laws saying that they HAVE to be vaccinated.  Although some doctors and nurses will definitely try to make you do it, and some may even tell you that you have no choice.  Here's a link to the CDC National Vaccine Program website.  If you scroll down you can see all the laws about vaccines.

http://www.hhs.gov/nvpo/law.htm

BTW, not trying to attack Chelle in any way by quoting her.  Her comment just made me want to clarify the state laws a little bit.  :)

Chelle - posted on 09/29/2009

It really depends on your states laws and regulations. In our state we were allowed to refuse and I didn't have to have a waiver. We have since selectivly vaxed our son. But my son hasn't had the hep A or B shots. But ultimately it's your kid, but check into what the laws say in your state about it.

Rebbeca - posted on 09/29/2009

I am in California and they tried pushing this on us as well. I swear probably 20 different employees (Drs, Nurses, Specialists) tried talking us into getting it. Just be strong and tell them you do not wish to have it at this time. Make sure they note it in your chart when you arrive, but they will ask you several times are you sure? We left the hospital and my son did not get it. We got mad about eveyone asking but just stick to what you believe. Even the Dr at his follow up (well baby appt) asked if we wanted it and just keep telling them not at this time. They make you feel like you are doing something wrong but they can't make you. If you are afraid of them just giving it to your baby make sure you or your husband is with the baby at all times. They can't make you. Good luck and be strong!!!

Bethany - posted on 09/28/2009

We didn't get the Hep B shot, either. We wrote it in our birth plan, and made sure all the nurses knew that our daughter wasn't getting anything. Then we didn't let her out of our sight, and my husband accompanied her to all the weighing and newborn screening to make sure our wishes were honored. We didn't have any trouble, but our daughter was born in the West, which tends to be a little more open-minded about vaccines.



Here are your legal rights, however:



You can refuse anything, and doctors cannot legally force a vaccine on your newborn baby. You may have to sign a waiver, though, saying that you disregarded a doctor's recommendation. If they threaten you with DCF, say fine, call them. Then keep refusing the Hep B until you are able to sign that waiver. If they try to force it, tell them you know your rights, you know they can't badger you into something, and tell them you'll take them to court if they try to touch you or your baby.



Finally, especially if you're concerned, make sure your husband doesn't let your child out of his sight, since you may be a little distracted. I lived in Central Florida for a little while, and the doctors seem to be somewhat backwards about vaccination choice. But just stand your ground, and know that you are legally in the right.



Good luck!

Heather - posted on 09/28/2009

You could simply tell them that you would like your child to start vaccinations with their own pediatrician. My son was born at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Bch, Fl and they actually did not start his vaccinations and my pediatrician is not starting his 1st shots until 2months of age. Then you could discuss this with your pediatrician and voice your concerns.

Ashley - posted on 09/28/2009

in order to give the hep b shot you have to sign a consent form just tell them you choose not to give the baby the shot and they should just respect that

Ashley - posted on 09/28/2009

definitly look into it before you have your baby. It wasnt that I didnt want my daughter to get any vaccinations but because of her being so young and not knowing how she would react when she was born in June I was not made to have her get it. The hospital actually gave us the choice and I opted not to. It is a different state but I wouldnt think that it would be that much different.

Ruthie - posted on 09/28/2009

I would let your doctor and your childs pediatrician know your plan and that you are getting a religious waiver and that you have to wait till your child is born to sign the waiver.

Julie - posted on 09/28/2009

I signed a waiver and refused the shot for both my boys. There wasn't a big deal made. I guess all hospitals are different. In my opinion (and I told them this), I wasn't planned on takeing my baby anywhere, and pretty much not letting any one sick AT ALL touch them, so thier shots could wait until they were 2 months old. They gave me the waiver, and that was that.

Katelin - posted on 09/28/2009

Thanks for all the advice! I suppose our hospital might just be pushy or possibly my cousin ran into a nurse having a bad day.. I've decided I am going to call the hospital and ask them if they have a waiver I can sign possibly beforehand, just so I know what to expect going in. I never even would have thought of that. :)

Ashley - posted on 09/28/2009

Wow, when my son was born they asked if I wanted him to get the shot, several times to both my husband and I. We did have our son vaccinated, but I don't see why you would get in trouble for not doing it...

Iysha - posted on 09/28/2009

When they offer it to you, tell them that you are going to wait until your baby sees his pediatrician at his one moth well baby check up if they tell you that you have to get him vaccinated right then and there. There is no reason that they should make you. If they threaten calling whover DCF is, tell them to do it. There is no law stating that you HAVE to get your child vaccinated. At the hospital I delivered at, they asked me if I wanted the vaccine for my daughter and that they prefer that she get it, but not that she had to before we left.

Amber - posted on 09/28/2009

I was able to decide to refuse to have the Hep B shot given to my baby or not after he was born, they had me sign a paper saying whether I wanted him getting it or not.

Rebekah - posted on 09/28/2009

Interesting. The nurses asked if I wanted to give my daughter the Hep B shot soon after her birth and when I told them I wasn't sure, they allowed me to sign a paper refusing it. I did give it to her the next day after talking with her pediatrician, but no one made a big deal about it at all.

Alyssa - posted on 09/28/2009

I think it would help you to have this written along with your with plan. If the nurses don't follow your wishes then there's something wrong with that. Also I'd check into laws and things about forcing you to get your baby the Hep B vaccine at the hospital. Here in Wisconsin where I delivered they have to ask you if you want your child to get the first Hep B at the hospital or not. I'd also take your midwives suggestion and call the pediatrician you plan on using, it doesnt hurt to ask them what they think. Or if they have any ideas on how you could get around getting the shot at the hospital. I hope this helps a bit. Good Luck!

Tabatha - posted on 09/28/2009

Well explain to them about your problem and if you need to have your old ped. call in and tell them the problem.