The Graduate

Emma was scheduled to have her last Synagis injection at the end of March (that's the vaccine to prevent RSV, a relatively common virus that can be particularly nasty if a preemie is affected).

To celebrate the occasion, reps. from the drug company that provides the shot free-of-charge to very small preemies were at CHEO to take pictures of all the "graduates".

At that appointment, we were told that the 2005-2006 RSV season was especially bad, so the drug company had decided to provide all the babies with another month's injection (No small offer as each injection costs in the neighbourhood of $1200.00!!) So, we were back at CHEO a few days ago for the last shot of the season and were presented with Emma's first graduation picture:



Each of the four times Emma was admitted to CHEO this winter, she tested negative for RSV, so the shots have obviously done what they were supposed to do! :)

We'll be going back to CHEO for 6 follow-up appointments over the next several weeks (Emma will be seen by Audiology, Ophthalmology, Respirology, E.N.T., and the Neonatology Clinic and she'll have another feeding study to check for aspiration). Let's hope all the news is good!