RSV and Synagis

Pamela - posted on 03/14/2009

As for the RSV seanson ending, I think your Dr can write your insurance company and ask them to allow the shots outside of the season if they feel it is necessary. They may say no, but it's worht a shot.

Pamela - posted on 03/14/2009

My daughter was born in Oct. atb 30 weeks, 2lbs 60z. She has been getting the synagis shot every month since Oct. We got to a specialist, respirroy therapist, to get the shot as my Ped does not carry it. She is not hvaing any issues where she needs to see the specilaist but that is who gives the shots in FL. As for staying inside, once my baby was 8 weeks old, true age, my Ped Dr siad she has the same immune system as full term 8 week old baby. We started to take her out every now and then. I try to stay away from inclosed spaces, we just took her to church for the first time last week. Now she is 5 months and 9 lbs and we take her where ever we go, we went to a baseball game last week. Also my daughter came home with no machines or meds, so I guess it wuld depend on the case. I've lived in a few different states and it seem as Ped Dr. are all different from state to state on what they believe. My Ped has been practicing for over 30 years. I will say you should follow the guidelines from your Dr and do what you feel is right. So far we have not had any colds or illness, and she has a 3 yr old brother that goes to day care.

Melinda - posted on 03/12/2009

my son is about down with those shots he had them for 2 years. i iam glad that he has had them because he has not gottem really sick when the family gets sick. because i do have a 4 year old too so keep on with those shots they do great

Jennifer - posted on 03/12/2009

We went through the shots with my 29 wker and I advice it to all preemie parents. I always tell them up front that it is an insurance nightmare, but well worth it, so thanks for posting the website!!! We had a gradeschool special needs foster daughter at the time, so just keeping him home was not a good sole option. We were very thankful we insisted on the shots because a classmate of hers did wind up with RSV that season!!! I also believe the RSV shots kept him from getting other respitory infections period, and contribute to him not having some of the lung issues common to other preemies even now at almost 3 years old. I have a cousin who's daughter was 3 weeks early and they did not do the shots (insurance reasons), she's about 18m now & sick ALL the time, they even have a breathing machine at home now. As far as keeping him home, we did the best we could having a second child too. I wore him in a sling though, keeping him close to me & did refuse a lot of people from holding him. If we were home I would let people hold him but insisted on hand washing first. I also denied people entrance to our home if they were sick (except my husband and daughter of course :-)) and I had a weekly routine of cleaning door knobs, toys, phones etc. And I am far from a germophobe!

Anne - posted on 03/12/2009

~just a little background about me: my son was born june 11 last year and he was 7 weeks early. he spent 3 weeks in the nicu and i guess he's one of the very lucky ones. he has not had any medical issues at all as a result from his prematurity. while in the nicu, he did spend about the first week and a half in an incubator, had to spend some time under the billirubin lights, but never was he intubated or on additional oxygen (just the blow-by method and then room air) didn't have to have any surgeries, passed his hearing test, gained weight well, ate well, and i liked to call him "my healthy kid in the nicu". he was discharged from the nicu with an apnea monitor but he never really set it off, the only times that it seemed to go off were when the leads weren't maintaining an adequate connection or something like that. he has been doing well since he came home, continuous weight gain, sleeping through the night, no colds or other illnesses, and making progress each and every day. my husband and i were actually looking through pictures of him last night and the most frequent comment out of our mouths was "look at how tiny he was!" he just went to the doctor yesterday for his 9 month check up and was given a perfect bill of health. everyone keeps commenting that "you'd never know he was a preemie".~

Anne - posted on 03/12/2009

one thing that i have learned about synagis is that it is not a one time one shot deal...........and that is why we(all of us preemie moms and dads) have to go back to our pediatricians every 28 days throughout the cold and flu season with our preemie babies. their immune systems are lacking the antibodies that are in the synagis and unfortunately these antibodies once injected into our babies are only good for 28-30 days. synagis is not the cure all for rsv as it's not really a vaccine like the flu shot, it is a continuous dose over the cold and flu season of antibodies that these babies have not developed because they were premature and more than likely had additional medical problems in addition to being born prematurely.

another unfortunate thing about synagis, is that not every preemie qualifies for it through the various insurance companies out there. which is a load of crap! i have worked in the healthcare field for 6-7 years and it's rediculous what we have to go through just to get something paid. it is our job and responsibility to keep ourselves and our children safe and healthy but yet when we attempt to do that we end up with bills that we can't afford because it's not "medically necessary" or some other line of bs that has been handed down by the insurance companies.

i have a love/hate relationship with healthcare in this country.

aimee- that is the biggest load of crap ever!!! i'm sorry you had to go through that. out of curiousity, is there a children's hospital near you? or at the very least a hospital that has a specific pediatric er? children's hospitals tend to have a lot more people that know a lot more about pediatrics and they have seen just about everything that could affect/effect the vast spectrum of pediactric patients (the preemies to the teens) and can give you a lot of helpful information, tips, suggestions, etc. on how to deal with the problem, why you should do or not do something. it has been my experience in working with the nicu transport team (before i had my son this past year) that those nurses and respiratory therapists really do have a lot more knowledge about pediatric illnesses and their treatments than just your regular hospital doctors and nurses because they work with them a lot more. it might add to medical bills, but if there's a children's hospital near you it's definitely worth it to be sure that your children are getting the attention and care/treatment that is right for them. (if you're here in ohio, i know of 4 children's hospitals off the top of my head in the state). i hope everything works out for you.

Aimee - posted on 03/12/2009

My son was born 4 weeks early in Dec 07. When he was about 10 weeks got he got extremely sick and low and behold it was RSV. I couldn't understand how he got it, we always washed our hands and never really took him out except to the doctors (which i guess was a lot- he also had jaundice and we had to get billyrubin checked daily then he got thrush). We do have a 5 year old also, maybe she brought something home from school? The doctors said that they couldn't do anything for it. We were told to make sure that he got his fluids and was having wet diapers. At night they said 'keep him comfortable".. what does that mean? He was young and could barely breathe. I had to prop him up on a pillow next to me because i was afraid he was going to stop breathing. He was sick for about two weeks. I guess i was lucky, some cases can be deadly. I just wish that we had been given an option to take a vaccine or not. I am glad that some people are offered it. This virus is no joke. Well thanks for listening to me. I wish you all the best of luck.

Jessica - posted on 03/12/2009

Stick with it - it is worth it! You are not crazy. People who aren't educated on premies and RSV don't understand. My daughter was delivered at 26 weeks but her develpment had stopped at 24. We went through three years of RSV shots - I understand how you feel. You are doing the right thing.  My daughter never got sick - even now (she is 4) she rarely gets even a cold and she is in preschool. 

I had trouble getting Synagis also. I even had to switch pediatricians and had to go to a hospital's outpatient infusion center. You go through so much with a premie and then have to jump through the hoops just to get the medicine they need. 

Watch the nutrition also. (I'm sure you already do) It can play a vital role in healthy development. Omega-3 and CLA's can really help boost neurological function and development. There are a lot of books and information on them . I have been adding flax seed oil to my daughter's diet when since she was off formula. (I wasn't able to breast feed). Premies are at such high risk for learning disabilities, I want to do whatever I can to lessen that risk.

Kelly - posted on 03/11/2009

Thank you all again for your input! It is really comforting to hear of your similar experiences and know that there are others out there who are going through the same thing (not that I would wish it upon anyone!) My son has his last Synagis shot tomorrow which I am relieved about, but also somewhat nervous that he won't have this "extra protection" against RSV for the next couple of months. Although I am looking forward to someday showing him the world, I have also tried to cherish the moments we have at home together because I know someday he won't want to be at home hanging out with his mom! :) (We do get out for walks and see some extended family so we are not totally isolated!) For those that have older preemie children....when did you notice that your germ anxiety went away....or has it ever? :)

Cassandre - posted on 03/11/2009

yes i am the same way she has one more shot next month that will be her last one but with the outbreaks being so bad this year you are definitely not overreacting. I always keep my baby covered over her carseat so less germs can get to her while we are out and change her blankets as soon as we get home. When it comes to this kind of disease and preemies you can never be to careful.

Alison - posted on 03/11/2009

my twin girls were born 11weeks early but only 1 of them got the rsv injection with her being on oxygen ,but still both ended up in hospital with it,was a very scarey time for us,we were so carefull yet they still got it,never had the injection since,thinking back(2007)they both picked everything up but they are a lot more stroner now but my twin who was on oxygen suffers much more than her sister,,i would still go out for walks where there arnt 2 many people around or u will end up going crazy!!

Marisa - posted on 03/11/2009

My son was only born 4 weeks early and I've never even heard of Synagis shots... I'll have to google that one! He's 11 now, but had RSV when he was 18 months. He pulled out of it okay, but has asthma, which Dr's say is likely a result of the RSV. He's so much better now that he was when he was little. He's very active, plays hockey in the winter and a variety of sports in the summer. He's pretty normal! You just have to do what you feel is best for him and be as informed as you can be... that's all you can expect of yourself! If people think you're crazy for protecting your child.. then you hang out with some real wackos! LOL.. I'm just ribbing of course, but you just need to put it all in perspective, especially if openly opinionated people aroud you won't! :)

Kristin - posted on 03/10/2009

My daughter was 14 wks. early. Cierra and I stayed in and she received the shots for well over a year. The Drs. told you those things for a reason. You are not being overprotective. RSV is a TERRIBLE thing for a preemie to get. They just can't fight things as well as full term babies. You are doing the right thing. If you absolutely have to go out, go when the stores are empty, make sure nobody touches the baby, use a "shopping cart cozy", and either wash your hands or use antibacterial gel before  you pick him up to put him back in the car.  You are definitely not being overprotective if it saves your child's life!

Allison - posted on 03/10/2009

My daughter was born 9 weeks early, also during RSV season. After her month-lomg stay in NCIU the doctors gave her the first round of synagis and we went through the whole series that first year. The second RSV season a year later she got checked to see if she "qualified" for the medication, which she did not at that time. (My doctor told me that it was good that she didn't qualify because that meant she had actually been healthy during the last RSV season.) Although I felt she really needed the medication again my doctor said that my insurance would not cover it if she didn't qualify. About a month after she was diagnosed with RSV and hospitalized and even at that time (and another hospital) they would not give her synagis. They gave her antibiotics and steroids and she got better only to catch RSV again later in the season, which by that time I was told she was too old for the drug. By the time she was two she was hospitalized for RSV twice and Pneumonia twice. I was a stay at home mom and a "freak" about not taking her out and not letting people touch her and she still got RSV.  I wish I woulod have pushed harder for it and gone with my gut instead of letting my doctor talk me out of that second year of synagis. Had I known at the time that we were going to have so many problems I would have just paid for the vaccine out-of-pocket.

Lee Ann - posted on 03/10/2009

I have had 2 premature babies. My first is 8 and had RSV, he was hospitalized for 3 days, it was not fun. They did not have Synagis then. My second son is 10 months old and gets his last shot on the 20th for this season. It has been a dream come true! He has only gotten 1 cold since getting the shot, unlike the cold a month my older son had. Since I do have older children at school, it is a llittle more difficult to get keep him isolated.

You are not being crazy or overprotective. RSV is very scary! I was lucky to catch it as early as we did. I did not have nearly the challenges keeping him isolated as I do this one. At all cost, I highly recommend the Synagis.

Becky - posted on 03/10/2009

I had my son 8 weeks early this past November. He has been recieving the synagist shot once a month since he was home from the hospital. I also feel like a hermit most of the time. We only go out when absolutly nessesary. He is still small that he is in his carrier everywhere we go. But I make sure to stay away from sick people and people have to wash their hands before touching him. I cant wait till the weather warms up and we can go for walks and be outside in the sunshine and warmth.

You are not being crazy, you just care about your son.

Amy - posted on 03/07/2009

thank you for the web link. My baby was 6 weeks early and had to stay in the NICU for 3 weeks. And our insurance wouldn't cover her shots. I will check out the website. No one can say anything to you about being over protective. No one understands unless they too have had a preemie, especially 10 weeks early. Thanks for the web site :)

Noel - posted on 03/06/2009

my girls were born at 29 weeks in August and they get the synagist shots as well. they will get their last one in April and yea I feel like a hermit too. I often get cabin fever I think and feel like I'm going crazy but I know I'm doing the best for my girls. I'd rather be a Hermit than have to have them in the Hospital. Thank god I have a computer now to keep me somewhat sane.

Julia - posted on 03/06/2009

Very hard and very isolating.  But as a mommies we are doing the right thing for our kids! I'm so glad I'm not alone in this. I have been called overprotective and most people who don't have preemies don't understand. Oh well, they don't have to, we're the ones who need to understand so we can protect our kids.

Anna - posted on 03/05/2009

OMG!!! I know exactly how you feel!!! My daughter was also born 9.5 weeks early and we were told the same thing about keeping her away from crowds, it is very hard and depressing at times.  We are also doing the shots and am so thankful for the information on help paying for these shots, they are soooo expensive.  Well good luck and we're almost there, May is only 3 months away!!!! Woo-Hoo!

Angela - posted on 03/05/2009

Quoting Kelly:

RSV and Synagis

My son was born 10 weeks premature last August. Since he was born right before RSV season, the doctors/professionals advised us to keep him at home as much as possible, stay away from crowds, etc. I have followed their advice although it has been pretty isolating at times! Apparently RSV season is over in May and by then we should be able to get out and about more often. He has been getting Synagis shots for the last 4 months (which has been a nightmare trying to get this stuff!) I am really looking forward to getting out in the world again and was just wondering what other people's experiences have been with this. I feel like some people think I am being crazy and overprotective but I refuse to have my son back in the hospital again! I also wanted to add that there is an organization called the Patient Access Network Foundation that will help those (who are insured) with part of the cost for Synagis (if you qualify). Their website is www.patientaccessnetwork.org.

I have twin girls born 12 weeks premature, We did the synagis shots for 2 yrs and I keep them away from people alot then too. I still do in the fall to winter months and they are 7 yrs old now. I still wipe things off and i carry stuff to wipe their hands off after we been in a public places and around others.So i think you are doing great .

Amy - posted on 03/05/2009

Hi Kelly.



My son was born at 28-weeks in January 2008. He spent nearly 6 months on O2 and has chronic lung disease. He is getting synagis again this season. It is important to remember that synagis is NOT a vaccine. It will not prevent RSV but is meant to aid in lessening the symptoms if contracted.



I too am living the hermit life. We have taken my son out some to the mall or Lowes. But we have planned the outings for week days to limit his exposure to crowds. We don't let anyone touch him and I carry bleach wipes and hand sanitizer.



I know a full-term 5 month old who had to be put on the vent from RSV. You are not being crazy by protecting your son. Preemies are more medically fragile than full-term babies during their first year especially.

Schmoopy - posted on 03/05/2009

Hi, Kelly. Congratulations on the birth of your son. Glad to hear that it sounds like he's doing well - and that you're trudging through RSV season the right way. You're not being overprotective, you're being a smart, diligent mother.

My DD was born 11 weeks premature (she's now 6). We did the Synagis thing, too. And we stayed out of public, enclosed spaces aaaaallll winter long. And, yes, it was ISOLATING. But totally worth it. I felt like you: there was NO WAY my DD was going back to that hospital!

When RSV season was finally over, we did venture out more often. I ALWAYS had my Purell with me. And if anyone happened to touch her hands, I Purelled and wiped them immediately! I'm sure everyone thought I was crazy, but I didn't care. I had a friend who was with us in the NICU with her son. It helped to spend time with her b/c I didn't have to explain myself (or my "paranoia"). If you can, surround yourself with family and friends who "get it" so you don't have to spend your time explaining and worrying.

And don't forget the Purell! ;)

Pamela - posted on 03/05/2009

My daughter was 32 weeks. She was born in February (of 2003) and was on Cynergis for 3 months. Plus, SARS was spreading at the same time (we are in Seattle and it was up in Vancouver) so, we really didn't go out to crowded areas for months. But, it was worth it. I think she also got the Pneumonia vaccine as well. She is now 6 and did not have a temperature over 99 until she was 5. We also have a friend whose son got RSV at about 13 months and had to take him to the emergency room because his chest was so clogged up. He was ok, but has been susceptible to chest/lung infections ever since. I think they should make Synergis cheaper and available to all new born's. I have heard many sad stories of babies dying from it.

Heather - posted on 03/04/2009

My son was 7 weeks premature.  We got the shots through his first winter and he didn't get sick until he was a year old.  We weren't super protective of him.

We kept him at Grandma's instead of daycare, but we'd take him to restaurants and out shopping with us. 

The things we did do were that we didn't let sick people visit and when we were out no one was allowed to touch him or get too close.

With all that being said I don't think being overprotective is a bad thing.  I just wanted to offer a different point of view from the hermit all winter one...

Lisa - posted on 03/04/2009

My daughter was born 8 week premature in April of 06. I kept her pretty isolated for the 1st 2 months. My insurance company only covered 6 Synagis shots, so she got them from Nov. - April. We only did it her 1st year because that was when she was most susceptible. Last year we just did the flu shot. If you are breast feeding.. keep it up because the antibodies he gets from your breast milk will help him too!



I think if your son is doing well and is relatively healthy, there shouldn't be any reason why he can't be out in public. Just make sure that any one who is coughing or sneezing keeps their distance. And make sure that if anyone wants to hold him, they wash their hands with soap and hot water or at least use a hand sanitizer. You're not crazy, you're his mom and the folks around you should respect your wishes. Good Luck!

Lizzie - posted on 03/04/2009

I live in the uk and we dont have those injetions over here :( My baby Libby wa born at 35 weeks last June and as soon as oct arrived shes had bad chest after bad chest.  Its horrible as I dont like taking her too many places with people as she ends up with a cold and then wheezing.  Which involves another trip to the doctors, we seem to live there at the minute.  She ended up having an allergic reation to chicken pox which nearly left her with pneumonia  as she was whezing when they admitted her to hospital.  I wish our doctors would do something more like offer a vaccine against rsv as they always go on about how deadly bronchiolitis is to preterm and babies under 6 mths .

Jennifer - posted on 03/04/2009

My son was born 6 weeks premature.  We were also told to keep him at home until May until RSV seaon is over.  My son did  not qualify for the Synagis shot so I try to take all precautions! My mom comes over each day to watch my son so I can do errands-I had to be off my feet during the entire pregnancy and was on bed rest in the hospital for the last 2 months of the pregnancy so I feel like I was going crazy being at home with him.  I feel sad that lots of family & friends gave not met my son Brandon yet but have seen lots of pictures.  Many friends do not understand why I can't meet up with them and their kids.  When I get together with my family my son and I usually stay in a different room so we are not missing out on parties/ holidays.  When my husband comes home sick my son and I head to my parents.  I want my son to healthy.  May is around the corner!

Kristin - posted on 03/03/2009

You are not overprotective! You need to be! Other children can get sick and get the flu and recover much quicker. My experience was that every time my son had the flu or chest infection, he was hospitalized. Because they are smaller, have less body fat they can dehydrate quickly and often doctors will not hestitate. Colds can turn into chest infections quicker as well. It's hard for some to understand...unless you have had a fragile baby from the beginning, many people don't understand your instinct to protect them from everyday germs..I think it's natural and trust your instincts. Keep in mind though that you need to get out because your health and social well-being is important too. Mom of prem's also have much higher stats of post-partum as well. I hope the weather warms soon and you can get out for walks, with friends. Definitely get out...the worst place for germs are the grocery buggies...bring a blanket to cover the handles/ seat or wear her in a carrier, but DO get out!

Christine - posted on 03/03/2009

Kelly I did the same thing with my daughter. She was born 10 weeks early in Oct. of 2007 and recieved the Synagis that winter. I am glad I took all the precautions because this winter at 15 months she did get RSV. It wasn't that bad since she was older, but I saw how scary it can be.

DeAnn - posted on 03/02/2009

My son was born 10 weeks early as well.  He received Synagis for the first 3 years, 6 months each year.  Got to the point of one injection into each leg once a month.  Wasn't great to go through but worth every bit and penny of it.  We too stayed inside, except for doctor's appointments until he was about 14 months old...even during the summer we only went into our own back yard for the most part.  It does get better!

Teresa - posted on 03/02/2009

I had triplets that were 71/2 weeks early...They have been getting the Synagis shots since they were in the hospital..We get out when it is a pretty day and there are people that come up and I have no problem asking them not to touch...Even when family and friends come to the house I ask them to wash with anibacterical soap and germ-x..As a nurse I have seen what RSV does to preemies and that is not something that I want for my sons...So let people think that your crazy or overprotective, your just doing your job as a mother keeping him safe and as much as possible healthy...

Kelly - posted on 03/02/2009

Katie....I know you mentioned probiotics and I just wanted to add that I truly believe in them! I have been breastfeeding my son but wanted to add that since he was born, he has had many difficulties with his tummy and gas. Many people suggested it was "colic", to try Mylecon, Gripe Water, etc. Nothing seemed to help. My son couldn't even sleep for 30 minutes at a time without waking due to stomach cramps. The doc finally prescribed an anitspasmodic drug as a last resort. After reading the side effects I was terrified and never tried him on them. Finally, after much research, sleepless nights and few tears, I put him on probiotics and they have worked wonders!!!

Kelly - posted on 03/02/2009

Thank you all for your input and reassurance! I guess it's just nice to hear of others who are going through the same thing. I would much rather be "overprotective" than have my son end up in the hospital again! Sometimes I just wonder if from now on I am always going to be a "germ-o-phobe"! I am hoping after May is here and flu season is over I won't be so paranoid. I never thought about germs so much until having a preemie!

Cynthia - posted on 03/02/2009

My daughter was born 7 weeks premature and we went through the same thing. Her father's family thought I was crazy and overprotective and at times I questioned myself, but I would much rather be crazy then in the hospital with a sick infant! I wasn't a complete hermit, but I did keep my daughter away from crowds and public places. I even went as far as carrying lysol and clorox wipes in our diaper bag to wipe down anything that she had to touch (ie shopping carts). Just remember...they aren't up at 2 am rushing their child to the ER! You're just protecting your child.

Julie - posted on 03/02/2009

my son was born 12 weeks premature last March. He is getting Synagis, but I am not a complete hermit. Luckily, we live in the boonies of WNY and can go just about anywhere (depending on the time of day) and not be in a crowd of people. I make sure other people don't touch him, if they are at my house, they mush wash up first. He just started being able to sit in a cart and my MIL made us one of those cart blanket things that he can sit in and it can be a barrier between him and the cart. I am also lucky that we quilified of a children with special healthcare needs program that picks up what our insurance doesn't...thanks for putting that org's info out there, though!

Katie - posted on 03/02/2009

I think that if you have been getting the Synergis shot for the last 4 months then it is probably fine to take him out (carry a small Lysol spray and hand sanitizer, don't let anyone touch him--I used a sling for the first few months and still do sometimes because it keeps people away better then a stroller).

My son was also born in August at 31 weeks, 3 days and recently the child I babysit caught RSV and didn't realize it until he'd been over here once. Since he was sick I washed my hands every time I picked him up, even though it's possible I slipped once or twice (watching two infants can be a handful, literally). I was very lucky that my son didn't catch it, especially since it was within the first few days of getting it. I don't have insurance, Medicaid has been taking their time with the application, and we don't qualify for any other programs because we don't have any income, so we've only got 2 Synergis shots (August before we left the hospital and November). I truly feel that the reason we didn't get it is because I drink Kefir (a dairy product similar to yogurt filled with probiotics) and take probiotic pills and breastfeed so it all goes to him, too.

Actually, I didn't intent on that story being so long. My point was that I really believe that breastfeeding works miracles and they have done studies proving that probiotics help shorten viral infections and help to prevent respiratory infections. They also have infant probiotic powders that can be put in formula, too, if you are looking for an additional immune system boost.

Millie - posted on 03/02/2009

My daughter was born 5 weeks premature in '07 and she just received her last RSV vaccination for the season (we live in Chicago).  I'm just as cautious as you.  This is our second season of RSV shots and I've felt ike a hermit all winter!  If I take her anywhere it's to family I trust and even then I'm constantly wiping off her hands.  Don't worry...it's almost over.  : )

Erica - posted on 03/02/2009

Hi Kelly! My daughter was born 7wks early last May, and we have been getting the synagis shots since Oct. Her last shot will be this month. For all of last summer and through the fall I kept her pretty isolated, but then we went to my parents for Thanksgiving and I have an extremely large family (dad is the oldest of 15) and I have 45 cousins, most of whom are under the age of 16. I was so scared to have her around all those kids, and she and i both ended up coming home with severe colds. I still don't leave her in areas where there are lots of potentially sick kids, like the church nursery, but i don't avoid going out either, like to walmart. also, last week my husband came home from work with the flu, and I immediately packed her up to go stay with his parents so we wouldn't be exposed, but she got it anyway. although, she only had a fever for 1 day, and then seemed fine after that. i was pretty upset at first, but i totally believe the synagis shots have helped her immune system build up. i'm at the point now (she's almost 10 mo) where I feel like she's healthy and strong enough to fight common colds/flu. as far as the shot itself and insurance, i haven't had any problems really, insurance covers everything but a $50 copay each shot. i take her in to a clinic to get the shot, they don't come to my house. don't feel crazy for wanting to keep your baby healthy! :)