How to handle visits from unvaccinated kids?

[IndiaInk]

I live in Oregon which has the highest rate of vaccine refusal in the nation, and we live in a particularly "hippie" community where the exemption rate for kindergartners is 6%.  A nearby town boasts a rate of over 25% vaccine refusal rate.  

I know a number of my acquaintances and possibly my friends have unvaccinated children, though I know this through their Facebook posts, as I actually haven't talked to very many people about it in person.  I'm rather concerned about my baby being exposed to unvaccinated kids before he/she is old enough to be given the appropriate vaccines.  

How would you deal with this?  Should I just ask each parent if their kids are unvaccinated before we hang out?  Or should I post something on FB saying we can't accept visits from children who are unvaccinated?  That seems a bit passive-aggressive.  I'm not really afraid of offending non-vaxxers, but I also don't want to come off as a total jackass first-time-mom.  I understand I can't keep my baby in a total bubble. 

[redheadk]

You are right that you can't keep her in a bubble but I'd avoid direct contact with untaxed people at least until she's vaccinated. The pertussis vax would be a nonnegotiable for me (dTap/Tdap). I'd just ask if they are up to date on their pertussis vaccination when they ask about visiting and if they are not, just tell them that you prefer to hold off on visits until DD is 6 months. Or never. It's definitely something that you'll have to decide for yourself and each person has their own comfort level.

[Pilsy]

Mar 22, 2014 14:38:21 GMT -5 redheadk said:

You are right that you can't keep her in a bubble but I'd avoid direct contact with untaxed people at least until she's vaccinated. 

This is exactly what I was coming in to say.  

And I'd have direct conversations with potential visitors, rather than making an announcement on FB.  I don't really care about offending anti-vaxxers (I don't set out to do so, but if they're offended by my asking about their vax status, whatever), but I'm also not up to having a FB debate, so I wouldn't open that can of worms. I'd save that for when I have more energy.  

[osulori]

I'd avoid direct contact with kids that are not vaccinated until your kiddo is fully vaccinated too. The most direct way to deal with it would be to ask the parent if their kid is vaccinated and if they're not tell them you can't hang out and why.

[pierogigirl]

I think I'd move.


I'm only half joking. That 25% refusal rate is pretty scary shit. I'd limit contact to vaccinated kids only. I'd tell the non-vaxers why (although it won't change their minds) and expect to lose some friends over it.

[livinitup]

I think it's pretty common for new moms to avoid all kids before 6 months because of their germy germs. Ask about sniffles and colds - and also ask about vaccines. It's not rude.