I just came from my DDs one year annual checkup. Her doctor did the whole physical (she's great, 23-1/2 pounds and a big 30" tall), and then led us to the lab for blood to be taken. When we were finished, he apologized that his staff had made our appointment "too early". He told me "the law requires he give the year old shots (one for chicken pox, and one for measles/mumps/rubella) within a very rigid timeframe... four days before or four days after the child's first birthday! I have to go back for her shots on April 3rd - four days after she turns 1!!!

Has anyone ever heard of this? TIA

By Melanie on Thursday, March 20, 2003 - 03:10 pm:

I've heard they won't give them before the first birthday, but I have never heard of a cut-off once the birthday has passed.

By Sandie on Thursday, March 20, 2003 - 03:18 pm:

Yup, that is what I am always told. never before the birthday, but certainly anytime after.

By Trina on Thursday, March 20, 2003 - 04:00 pm:

I was told the same as Melanie and Sandie for both kids. Not before turning one but any time after.

By Mommyathome on Friday, March 21, 2003 - 12:21 am:

Same here...not even one day before the birthday...but anytime after is fine. In fact, the chicken pox one just became mandatory here before you can start school, so there are kids that are 5 and 6 yrs old that are getting it.

I need to get my DS in for his shots...he turned a yr in January...I'm late!

By Ginnyk on Friday, March 21, 2003 - 02:53 am:

I agree, to say within 4 days before or *after* is nonsense. I would also suggest that if you told the doctor's staff you were making the appointment for her one-year checkup and they scheduled the appointment before her actual 1st birthday, knowing about this time-frame, that he should explain to his staff again (if he did the first time) about this rule and remind them that they should not make one-year checkup appointments more than 4 days before the 1st birthday (and maybe not charge you for the visit, or at least not charge you the co-pay).

If you are curious, most states have a web page for their laws and you can research this.

By Ginnyk on Friday, March 21, 2003 - 02:57 am:

P.S. After all, does the state "forbid" giving the shots more than 4 days after the birthday? That is ludicrous, and I simply don't believe it. Nor do I believe any responsible doctor would refuse to give the shots if the child is more than 369 days old. I'm surprised the doc said something so absurd.

By Tonya on Friday, March 21, 2003 - 11:12 am:

Actually I understand all of this cause they did this to my sister for her youngest son. He had his shot 3 days early so then when he got the next one they were too close together and he had to go back for another one this is what the schools requre for the child to attend they have to have so many by a certain age and they have to all be in a specific time frame.

By Kittycat_26 on Friday, March 21, 2003 - 11:21 am:

I don't know about all shots but some are very time sensitive. Synagis can only be given every 30 days from October to April. The give and take in this is only 2-3 days. If given later than 3 days it affects it's effectiveness.

By Jblmom on Friday, March 28, 2003 - 02:56 pm:

Yes we were told the same thing. Never before but anytime after.