Does anyone know anything about immunizations being given after a baby has been taking steroids? Connor was suppose to have his shots on Monday but he had a really bad cough and cold so the Dr. put him on Orapred (an oral steroid) for his cough and wants him to get his shots this Friday. A friend of mine said her baby had to wait to get his immunizations because he was taking steroids and they weaken the immune system therefore the vaccination may not be fully effective. Has anyone ever heard of this?

I found this:

What drug(s) may interact with PREDNISOLONE (OraPred®, Pediapred®, Prelone®) ?
•acetazolamide
•amphotericin B
•antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
•barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures
•blood thinners
•bosentan
•certain heart medicines
•female hormones, including contraceptives or birth control pills
•live virus vaccines, and other toxoids and vaccines
•medicines for diabetes
•phenytoin
•rifabutin
•rifampin
•water pills

It's not that they won't be entirely effective, it's also b/c his chances of reacting and depending on what vaccines he's being given (I'm guessing DTaP, Hib, HepB, Polio, and Prevnar) he's at a greater chance of coming down w/ one of those. Those are dead vaxes though so that's not very likely, but I still would wait a full 2 wks at least from the last dose of steriods.

That's interesting about someone not being able to have vaccinations while on a steroid, not to mention some of the other meds. listed. I'd wait until your child's immunune system is back up to where it usually is (ie, when the cold is gone). Many doctors won't do immunizations when there's a bad cold.

Hi thanks for all the info I appreciate it!! We went to the ped today and she said it was ok for Connor to get his shots because the immunizations were not live viruses.