Vaccine for 14 year old ds

Kaylasmum49 · 2021-12-06T12:31:42+00:00

My ds hasn’t had the vaccine yet as his letter was sent to his dad’s house, he only told me about it a few days ago. There is a drop in at our local vaccination centre. My ds wants to have it but I am really worried about the risk of heart inflammation, I haven’t been able to find much information of the statistics of this happening. I have health anxiety and everything health related scares me to the point of a panic attack. Does anyone have any stats on this that might help calm my fears?

pianolessons1 · 06/12/2021 12:34

Myocarditis is massively more common with covid than with vaccine

herecomesthsun · 06/12/2021 12:41

My 13 year old son has been vaccinated twice (he is immunocompromised).

There is a tiny risk of myocarditis with the vaccine but the risk seems to be higher (though still small) with covid.

Actually, I have been a lot less worried about him being at school in the pandemic since he got vaccinated if that helps at all!

I left the decision to my DS as he is now getting to be independent and informed. Mind you, we did have an additional area of concern as he's on immunosuppressant meds (though a very healthy, rapidly growing teen getting on with life, school and hobbies day to day in all other respects)

www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/29/covid-poses-higher-risk-of-myocarditis-than-vaccine-in-male-teens-us-study

Original poster

Kaylasmum49 · 06/12/2021 13:32

Thank you for the replies, my catastrophic thinking is in full force today unfortunately and it doesn’t help that I have my booster this evening so already on edge because of that. I think I might try to speak to my gp concerning my ds.

OP posts:

pianolessons1 · 07/12/2021 09:44

Parents who don't vaccinate often take the view that if their child is harmed by, say, measles, it won't be their 'fault' as it's natural, but if the child is harmed by the vaccine, it will be their fault. Is this what is paralysing you, because it's false logic. If your child is harmed by covid and you chose not to protect them, that is also on you.

Original poster

Kaylasmum49 · 07/12/2021 10:21

I have children who have had all their childhood vaccines I am not an anti vaxxer!! And no, I don’t think the way you have described. Either way I would blame myself. Have you had your child vaccinated against covid pianolessons1

OP posts:

Jensonfromtheblock · 07/12/2021 10:34

I felt the same but as others have pointed out the risk of heart issues is higher from covid than the vaccine.

DanceInTheKitchen · 07/12/2021 10:43

I think a big factor is that your son is old enough to decide and he wants to have it. My teens chose not to have it so they didn’t.

Original poster

Kaylasmum49 · 07/12/2021 10:50

DanceInTheKitchen I fully respect his wish to have the vaccine and wouldn’t dream of stopping him having it but I am concerned about the risks. I spoke to the nurse last night at the vaccination centre when I had my booster and she suggested that I discuss my concerns with my gp. My ds is autistic and has severe anxiety and often when very anxious he can get get chest pain, I know this is most likely to be due to the anxiety but I want to check with a doctor first.

OP posts:

OvaHere · 07/12/2021 11:26

@Kaylasmum49

DanceInTheKitchen I fully respect his wish to have the vaccine and wouldn’t dream of stopping him having it but I am concerned about the risks. I spoke to the nurse last night at the vaccination centre when I had my booster and she suggested that I discuss my concerns with my gp. My ds is autistic and has severe anxiety and often when very anxious he can get get chest pain, I know this is most likely to be due to the anxiety but I want to check with a doctor first.

I have 2 teen sons (plus another who is 20). All three have had Pfizer vaccines. The eldest 2 have had two doses and the youngest who is 14 like your DS has had one so far. All of them have been fine with either no or minimal side effects.

My 17 yr old has ASD and doesn't deal especially well with being ill. His first jab he just had a sore arm for a few hours and that was it. His second jab he had a sore arm, a very mild headache for a couple of hours and he slept a lot for a couple of days. He wasn't distressed at any point.

I understand why you're worried. I was also slightly anxious with the younger two but i'm glad now they had it. I think it helps when they make the decision themselves. Most teens are capable of doing that, even those on the spectrum.

pianolessons1 · 07/12/2021 11:58

@Kaylasmum49

I have children who have had all their childhood vaccines I am not an anti vaxxer!! And no, I don’t think the way you have described. Either way I would blame myself. Have you had your child vaccinated against covid pianolessons1

Of course, the one who is eligible. And she'll have her second dose on the dot of 12 weeks.

trumpisagit · 07/12/2021 12:11

My children (12 and 14 year old boys) have decided not to have the vaccine, for now.
I am happy with that decision, but if they wanted to have it, or decide later in the winter they want it, that's also fine.
The risk of covid to a 14 year old is tiny, the risk of the vaccine even tinier.
Would having the vaccine make him less anxious about covid?

edwinbear · 07/12/2021 18:03

I completely understand this OP, I felt the same with 12yr old DS and in fact declined the consent when the schools team went in to vaccinate in his school. However, when cases started rising again, I decided the risk/reward balance had changed, I also spoke to lots of school mums about their sons who were vaccinated a week or two before DS, all of whom confirmed they had not had any problems. So I took him to a walk in clinic during October half term. I felt more reassured during half term because he was at home so I could watch him like a hawk . He was absolutely fine and will be having his second as soon as he is able - which also means he should be double vaccinated in time for our Summer holiday......restrictions permitting.

Fizzingmad · 07/12/2021 19:26

I felt the same about my 2 ds (15 and 13) didn’t want them to get it especially as my oldest had already had covid so didn’t think the (very small) risk was worth it.

However they both overruled me and were totally fine afterwards and I’m now glad they’ve had it.

I hope you manage to speak to your GP and they can put your mind at ease

Remmy123 · 07/12/2021 19:34

I felt the same as you so have held off with my 13 year old. He isnt bothered either way so leaving it for now.

lljkk · 07/12/2021 20:19

The chances are that my 13yo will never in his entire life meet anyone who had vaccine myocarditis (much less be that 1 in 7000 or 1 in 70,000, whatever the risk is).

I'm fervently pro-choice on jabs, btw, hope you can make a decision you're happy with, OP.

morticiamarkle · 07/12/2021 20:56

@pianolessons1

Myocarditis is massively more common with covid than with vaccine

Evidence?

A recent paper on male teenagers in Hong Kong shows a myocarditis risk of 1 in 2500 or thereabouts after 2 doses. Israeli data shows a risk of 1 in 3-6,000. And these were patients who demonstrated symptoms. There may be more sub clinical cases.

Im pretty sure we haven't seen that many teenagers in hospital with myocarditis after covid. Or indeed in hospital at all for any conditions after catching covid.

dementedpixie · 07/12/2021 21:00

Myocarditis is more common after the 2nd dose. This was partly the reason they weren't offering a 2nd dose to start with for that age group

ColettesEarrings · 08/12/2021 07:37

The risk of him getting myocarditis is about ten times higher from getting covid than from the vaccine. And his risk of getting covid is increasing by the day in current circumstances.