The advantage of today’s medical field is that there are a lot of vaccines available for specific illnesses.  During my time, I have not received several vaccines (or did I receive any?).  I can’t remember.

Anyway, being a parent (and the one who budgets our money), every check-up means gastos.  Imagine, since her birth, she received vaccine every month.  And not to mention, some of her vaccines are really expensive.

This June, she’ll have another shot, this time it’s for meningo.  It is one of her expensive shots so far.  We are fortunate that Ria’s pediatrician is Dra. Celeste Chanyungco, one of the best pedias in town.  She also gives a lot of freebies and discounts to her patients.  I remember one time, I only paid P100 for her check-up.  Sometimes, they’re free (if for follow-up especially after confinement).

To name few vaccines and their price, here’s my list:

Hepa B-the first shot was given in the nursery.  The second shot was given when she was 1 month and 6 months.  I forgot the price but it’s either P1,200 P1,800 or P2000.  There will be another booster shot but I think that will be far from now. 🙂

Penta-oh my, this will really make you so poor.  The first shots were given three consecutive months for P3,500 each shot! It was administered during her 1st month, 2nd and 3rd.  And there’s a booster shot after a year (19 months) for another P3,500.  This vaccine consists of five vaccines: Poliomyelitis, DPT and H. influenzae type B.  I think there’s already 6-in-1 shot.  I’m not sure if there will be another booster shot.

Flu-this is given every year for P1,200.  Her first dose was given when she was 7 months then 9 months.  Then afterwards, it will be every year.  Today’s flu vaccine includes AH1N1.

Measles-the first dose was given during her 10th month.  The next one (and the last), was given when she was 16 months.  She is now protected from measles (German measles not the usual measles).  Dra. said that the common type of measles will strike any kid at most twice a year so don’t think that if your baby already had measles, she will not have another one.  Measles costs P1,800 per shot (at least what I remember).

Chicken pox/varicella-This was given few days after her 1st birthday.  One shot costs P2,800, I think.  I don’t know if there will be another shot for chicken pox.

IPD (invasive pneumococcal disease)-this is another pain.  Ria was given this shot on her 13th month for P3,800 then another shot when she was 15 months.  (Hinga after..that was almost 2 consecutive months).  As I researched for this, IPD is a disease that causes brain damage.

Meningococcemia-This coming June, baby will receive her first shot for this.  It costs P3000.

After Ria’s second birthday, we’re going to prepare for the most expensive vaccine ever.  It’s for meningitis and it will be given once.  Dra. said before, this vaccine was so expensive and should be administered thrice so she didn’t advice my nieces to get the shot.  This vaccine costs….dandandandaaahhh…P5,800.  Good luck! The vaccine that will be given will prevent a certain disease/bacteria/virus (whatever) that causes brain damage.  Dra. said that this disease is the most dangerous among all those related to meningitis.  Before, this vaccine was so costly and should be administered thrice.  But today, head of companies bumped their head and lowered the price of this vaccine and will only be given once if administered after 2 years old.

Costly? Yes.  But if these will protect my child from all the harm that she could get, then why not.  At least her pedia is so kind to warn us about future high-value vaccines.  And she knows how hard it is to earn money these days.  By the way, the prices of vaccines are her prices.  As I said, she usually gives discounts to her patients (and freebies! and stamp!)

Ria’s pediatrician since birth: Dra. Celeste Chanyungco-Marikina Valley Medical Center