Margaret,
I can understand your concern about vaccines. There are so many that are given now that it does seem like a lot for an infant’s immune system.

It sounds like you have found a wonderful pediatrician who is very receptive to your concerns.

However, I would not hesitate to go ahead and give your baby the DTaP. I don’t know where you live, but rates of pertussis in many ares of the U.S. are at their highest levels in years. Pertussis can be very serious (even fatal in infants).

As part of your decision making process on which vaccines to give and when, you should consider the severity of the disease and likelihood of your child being exposed.

Children with CAH are not at greater risk of problems from vaccines than other children. Replacement doses of hydrocortisone should not affect your child’s immune system enough to cause a problem with live vaccines (like chicken pox and MMR). This only occurs with people who are on very high doses, like organ transplant recipients, etc... However, children with CAH are at a greater risk of problems if they contract the DISEASE. All the more reason to vaccinate.

My son who has SWCAH is 5 years old and has received all of his childhood vaccines (including chickenpox and influenza) on schedule. He has not had any problems. He actually did better than his older brother who does not have CAH.