If you have an eligible DS, what did you decide re vaccination?

[Nilbog]

I’m still on the fence and would like to hear from people who have decided either way for their son.

I’m specifically asking about boys because of the myocarditis risk.

My DS is 14 and I’m not sure. I had all my jabs without a second thought but it feels different for DS somehow.

He had Covid (very mildly) back in 2020 and nothing since.

Had the first jab and will have second when due. Covid is mostly mild in kids but occasionally it isn’t. Vaccinations are very safe, but very rarely there’s a bad reaction. However, no known cases of linger hospitalisation or deaths from vaccines but there are child deaths and long term organ damage from Covid. So for me benefit outweighs risk even for kids, plus then the wider public benefit to economy if we can finally get this b*y thing under control

@Nandocushion they can give consent (or refuse) at 14yo too here. Both times ds has been asked if he wanted the jab and the nurse yesterday said that she has had a child refuse in the room, and then they can't do it.

@RoyKentsChestHair firstly, thank you so much for your generous contribution to the thread and for taking the time to explain your thinking so thoroughly.

I agree that withholding opportunities from people isn’t ethical and the recent u-turn for people to be vaccinated in certain jobs greatly pissed me off.

I’m guessing more people will be encouraged to travel this year to recoup some of the lost revenue from the past couple of years. Although it isn’t a particular concern for me, there are some school trips that DS is slightly grumpy at being excluded from as he isn’t yet vaccinated.

On the other hand, I expect some of his behaviour is that he’s annoyed that he can’t go rather than he really wanted to go. There will be other (better) trips.

Did your DS have any side effects @Hoppinggreen?

@Wintersun there certainly seems to be a pattern of mild or no symptoms lately.

How long ago did your DS have Covid?

Thanks @BooksAndHooks, I appreciate your recollection.

@TomAllenWife I can see how you would want to protect a close relative.

Out of interest @maddy68, how many kids are in your class in total?

Mine had it, aged 13. He read all the relevant literature, spoke to the nurse and went for it

My 14 year old has been double vaccinated since the Summer. He had a sore arm and a headache after the 2nd one. Nothing paracetamol couldn't fix. My dd turned 12 in Jan and just had her 2nd vaccination today. So far she has had no side effects except a sore arm. None of us have had Covid yet but it hasn't been very prevalent in their schools and none of their close friends have had it. Masks are also mandatory here and their classrooms have co2 monitors and hepa filters though.

@Nandocushion I’d be horrified if my DS went off to get his vaccination without my knowledge. Personally I don think he’s equipped to make the decision by himself (he’s not NT).

@Pepperama yes the organ damage is a concern.

@imamumgetmeoutofhere I wish I was so decisive!

DD14 hasn't had Covid despite her being in a house with 4 of us with it. Not vaccinated.
DS19 has had Covid and first vaccine- refused anymore.

My 16yo is double jabbed and my 13yo has had his first with the second booked next month. My 13yo was quite poorly with Covid last year so I’d like to reduce the risk of that happening again. Neither had any side effects.
Myocarditis risk is higher from Covid itself and we don’t actually know the long term effects of Covid either so I am very relieved that they’re more protected now.

@RoastedFerret I’m surprised none of you have had Covid. Are you in an area where there aren’t many cases?

My son is 16 and hasn't gotten the covid vaccine. We had a chat with him and let him make the decision. He decided against it for the time being. He has had all other vaccines including his HPV.

@Headachefromhells the virus behaves in such an unpredictable way.

Why did your DS decide against the 2nd jab?

DS is 13 and had it. No problems at all. He had covid later and it was very mild for him, and DH (who is boostered) whereas I had it the worst of all the family - 2 jabs for me.

I have some friends who are very worried about the myocarditis risk and keep posting all these stories of various people having heart attacks on social media, but if you look at ONS figures, heart problems have always been one of the highest causes of death for all age groups, especially for men, so I am not actually convinced that there is a giant boom in cases or that all the cases they are posting are related to the vaccine. Which makes the whole spreading of it as though it is related a bit crass, but I understand they are concerned.

@AyeEee123 sorry to hear about your 13 yo, I hope they have made a full recovery.

Because my DS was hardly affected whether had Covid, I’m less certain that he should have it.

@IWishIWasABaller what is particular helped your DS decide?

@BertieBotts you make a good point about the baseline risk. How much of an increase is it really?

I accept that I am v protective over DS for a number of reasons and it’s really helpful to hear other people’s experiences.

@Nilbog

Out of interest *@maddy68*, how many kids are in your class in total?

I teach all years in secondary. Only two out of all of them aren't vaccinated. We have a very high take up rate in this country. Also we had a very strict lockdown and I think they are more covid aware here perhaps

Even the 5-11 yr olds have a high level of vaccination compared with other countries

My kids are 18+ (just) dd1 got one early as in group 6 and dd2 queued for leftover vaccine with her boyfriend and other friends because they wanted to reduce transmission and protect others.

My son is 14. I haven't had him vaccinated against covid. He's had Covid already and has had worse colds, plus I'm not convinced he needs it.