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Original poster

Vaccinating children - what are the side effects like?

26 replies

Spudlet · 05/02/2022 15:19

To be absolutely clear, I’m talking about the common or garden side effects like a sore arm, not the more serious (and rare) ones. I am not interested in any anti-vax bullshit either. Take it elsewhere, please.

Now! We got a letter today saying that DS may be eligible for a vaccine, presumably as he has ASD. He is 6, and actually has Covid at the moment - totally asymptotically, luckily. He’s just thoroughly fed up that he isn’t allowed out for a bike ride because of his ‘two red lines’ (he was quite happy to have them and take some time off school, mind you…)

So obviously it will be a while before he could have a jab anyway, but as this infection should give him some immunity, I’m in two minds. DH and I are both fully vaccinated and boosted, and while we were both fine, we did both feel a bit grim for a couple of days. So I’m weighing up the benefits of vaccinating DS vs the possible short term costs of him being unwell afterwards, having a sore arm, etc, particularly after an infection which should give him some immunity anyway. Just wondering if anyone who has had their children vaccinated could let me know how they got on with it? Obviously he is too young to decide for himself so we need to decide for him… I’d try and speak to my GP but precious little chance of being able to get hold of one…!

OP posts:
QuentininQuarantino · 05/02/2022 15:21

I’m a teacher in a European country and most of my school (2000 students between 5&18) have had at least one dose and compared to the side effects among the adult staff there’s been very little. A couple of absences for the rest of the day, but most of the kids haven’t had anything beyond a sore arm, if that.

Original poster
Spudlet · 05/02/2022 15:22

Thanks, that’s really good to hear Smile

OP posts:
QuentininQuarantino · 05/02/2022 15:22

My own dc has had it too (age 8) with no side effects at all. Dh and I suffered for a couple of days! The child dose is smaller, maybe that’s why?

Bellyfat · 05/02/2022 15:31

My daughter had a sore and heavy arm for about 24 hours, then absolutely fine again.

bellsbuss · 05/02/2022 15:31

None of my children have had any side effects, I believe it's a lower dose than given to adults.

Original poster
Spudlet · 05/02/2022 15:39

That’s really encouraging. I’m erring towards having it and always was, but it’s good to hear about the experiences of others Smile

OP posts:
Userno263647284 · 05/02/2022 17:28

My son has asd and we've had a letter about possible vaccination too.. he's 10.

Not really the answer to your question, unsure on side effects.

But for now, I probably won't get him jabbed. I'm fully jabbed myself but I'm just not sure on it for ds (or Dd)! If it stopped you from getting it, then I absolutely would without hesitation but we know it doesn't so I'm at the point why bother? Both dc have had covid and Dd has had it twice. Symptoms were minimal for both so why fo they need the vaccine? I know not every child is fortunate enough to be mildly affected, but most will be just fine.

Userblabla · 05/02/2022 17:30

I came on to ask overseas posters the same question OP. I feel like it would be sensible for my Autistic DC to take the offer up, but I’ve never felt so ill as I did for 12 hrs after my first AZ dose so I definitely don’t want to put DC through that.

Userblabla · 05/02/2022 17:32

All 3 of his Grandparents are vulnerable and he has almost daily contact with one of them. The vaccine reduces chance of catching Covid and reduces chance of passing it on if you do catch it. Plus due to ASD DC wouldn’t cope well with isolation/time off school. So I’m erring in the side of him having it.

Dammitthisisshit · 05/02/2022 17:36

Oooh good thread - I can’t help OP as I’m eagerly awaiting my DC being offered it (they aren’t CEV but I am so we should be offered it once the CEV children vaccinations are organised). So am also keen to learn from other countries. It’s a low dose (1/3 adult) Pfizer vaccine that’s being rolled out here for the 5-11 age group. I’m not sure but I think that’s the same as other countries have used so good to hear if there are minimal side effects - getting my 7 year old to have it is going to take a lot of bribing!

theleafandnotthetree · 05/02/2022 17:42

My 10 year old daughter (in Ireland) has had 2 doses, absolutely no side effects whatsoever.

BethDutton · 05/02/2022 17:49

My DD had Pfizer (she was 14 at the time) and other than 48 hours sore arm was totally fine. Not sure how helpful that is given your child is age 6 though.

Branleuse · 05/02/2022 18:33

none of my kids had any side effects at all

zgaze · 05/02/2022 18:44

My son had it the moment he turned 12 (his choice - he’s clearly capable of making the decision) and had no side effects bar a slightly sore arm for a day. His younger sister has covid at the moment and has been poorly actually, and it’s rife at his secondary school, but he hasn’t caught it yet despite us making no effort to socially distance the kids at home.

Original poster
Spudlet · 06/02/2022 13:38

Thanks everyone, it’s really helpful to hear about a range of experiences. Plenty of food for thought as and when he’s invited to book.

OP posts:
MrsJaxTellerPlease · 06/02/2022 13:43

My daughter had zero side effects

BewareTheLibrarians · 06/02/2022 13:44

Ds is 12 and has had two doses. Both times he had a sore arm, but not sore enough to stop him playing football or the PS4 Smile

He didn’t get any of the side effects that I had, like shivers and aches and pains. We had our last doses on the same day and the difference was insane - I was under a blanket shivering with a hot water bottle, he was playing football and cooking lunch for me! Very jealous!

pikapikapukachu · 06/02/2022 13:47

DS had both doses, and just had a sore arm each time. All good.

DaffodilDandilion · 06/02/2022 13:51

Thanks for making this thread, my DS, also with an ASD diagnosis got a letter yesterday and I’m unsure what to do.

I’m not worried about the safety of the vaccine but more about his reaction to the actual vaccination (he’s very sensory!) and after effects.

QuinkWashable · 06/02/2022 14:11

Mine have both had their first dose, and barely even had a bruised arm. I only had the bruised arm myself.

DS2 was a bit worried by it all, and waiting in a queue with a load of other slightly worried children didn't help, so it might be worth asking if they do special appointments for kids who need them - I know that my friend's daughter did, and rather than wait in a massive queue it was more like a standard doctors appointment with accommodations for her needs

Goooglebox · 06/02/2022 14:16

Ours have had it. No side effects at all/slightly sore arm/slightly off colour but who knows why. It was a non event.

WinterOfOurDiscoTent · 06/02/2022 16:11

Thanks for this thread, I've been wondering the same thing as my 5yr old is due a jab...

Sorehandsandfeet · 06/02/2022 16:22

My 6 year old dd had it last week, no problems at all, no sore arm or anything!

Igmum · 06/02/2022 17:27

DD15 had dose one in November. Felt a bit grotty the next day but was still in school (I was knocked out for a week after mine!)

BlackInk · 06/02/2022 18:42

DS 12 was unwell with it. I had to pick him up from school the day after his first vaccine - bad aches and pains, temperature and heavy cold symptoms. He’d had Covid in October and said he felt just the same. He had 1.5 days off school but cold symptoms went on longer. I do wonder whether he had a common cold on top of vaccine side effects.