Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Baby & Vaccine Trial

15 replies

Spinxsta · 04/10/2021 21:33

We've had an invite for our newborn to participate in a MenACYW vaccine study.

It's assessing immune response when the new vaccine is given at the same time as the MenB vaccine vs separately from the MenB vaccine.

It involves taking blood samples.

I really want to help science but the thought of my baby having unnecessary blood tests makes me feel sick.

OP posts:
PurpleDaisies · 04/10/2021 21:34

So say no? It isn’t compulsory.

dementedpixie · 04/10/2021 21:35

The MenACWY is usually given to teens around age 14. Wonder why they're trialling it in babies

Original poster
Spinxsta · 04/10/2021 21:43

@dementedpixie

The MenACWY is usually given to teens around age 14. Wonder why they're trialling it in babies
I don't know, the letter doesn't say. I guess earlier immunity would mean lower infection rates?
OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General health
dementedpixie · 04/10/2021 21:48

I had a wee Google. Might be because of increased cases of MenW in under 5s.

ThirdElephant · 04/10/2021 21:49

Just say no if it worries you.

Original poster
Spinxsta · 04/10/2021 21:57

The study doesn't worry me and I'd like the baby to participate. It's the blood tests I don't like. It feels like I'd be putting the baby through a distressing procedure that's avoidable... but I also like the benefit of him getting the meningitis vaccinations.

OP posts:
PurpleDaisies · 04/10/2021 21:59

I guess it’s not avoidable if you want him to be in the study. I guess you have to balance that with the benefits of him being vaccinated.

Does the study invitation have a number to call if you have questions? Babies don’t love a blood test but they’re over quickly and they won’t remember them.

ThirdElephant · 04/10/2021 22:11

What type of blood draw? Heel prick isn't too bad, but personally I wouldn't be going for a full on vial of blood being extracted.

Original poster
Spinxsta · 04/10/2021 22:17

There's a number to call and the letter states they'd use topical LA to numb the area.

He'd also have his other vaccinations done by the research nurse at home.

It sounds like a proper blood draw from the letter.

It does sound like valuable research with benefits for the baby. It's just the blood tests that's putting me off.

OP posts:
ThePotatoCroquette · 04/10/2021 22:41

I wouldn't let a few blood tests get in the way personally, but it's ok if that is a deal breaker for you. We all have different limits for what we can bare to put our kids through.

Original poster
Spinxsta · 07/10/2021 15:07

We've said we'd participate! Decided being vaccinated against 5 types of meningitis outweighs 3 blood test.

OP posts:
PurpleDaisies · 07/10/2021 15:13

Excellent news. That sounds like a really good decision.

Firstbornunicorn · 07/10/2021 15:18

My son had to have blood tests when he was 20 hours old. The doctor told me to look away because she said it would be upsetting to me. It wasn’t really - they used a sugar solution thingy to distract him and he barely seemed to notice.

RainbowCrayons · 07/10/2021 15:36

MenACWY is given earlier in other countries. I dont live in the UK and DC got it at 1. I think you're right that the benefits greatly outweigh the 3 blood tests.

ThePotatoCroquette · 07/10/2021 17:49

Sounds like a good decision, maybe write down all the Pros on a flash card and then if you feel wobbly at the blood tests, you have all your reasons handy and can remind yourself why it's worth it

New posts on this thread. Refresh page