Prevenar - meningitis vaccine - advice?

[car25]

I have a 15 month old that I am considering getting the Prevenar vaccine for now, I know it will be available on the NHS, but the question is will it be before she's 2 (I doubt it!), so I've found a private clinic that will administer it.

As with her other vaccinations, I am extremely nervous. Has anyone else given their LOs Prevenar, were there any side effects, is there any other info you could offer, ie does it contain mercury/aluminium?
Thanks

Hi there!

My ds had his 2 prevenar shots on the NHS (high risk category), one in October when he was 16 months and the other in Jan at 18 months. We will also be giving him the pnuemovax II after he turns 2.

As far as I was aware, prevenar will start to be administered as part of the routine baby jabs from next month, but don't think that they will be calling all under 2's back. You would probably be better off having it done privately. I am sure that the vaccine is mercury free. As for side effects, my ds had none! Just a tiny bump where they jabbed him. Be warned, the vaccine is cold and acidic, your dd will scream. Ds isn't bothered by needles in the slightest, but really screamed the place down with this jab.

Good luck with your decision!

My Dd2, two nieces and my neaphew have all had Prevenar as my Dd1 died from pneumococcal meningitis last April aged 19 months. None of them had any side effects whatsoever.

I doubt very much that your Dd will get it before she's 2 so i would have it done privately.

If you have any concerns the meningitis research helpline will answer all your questions about the vaccine.

Hope this helps

I would get it if I could afford it!

Absolutely.

my ds (5months) has had this - 3 vaccinations - with his other vaccines. He had a temperature the day after & wasn't himself but was ok after a day.

dd had it (high risk), but ds didn't (although he is technically high risk because he is dd's brother). It's not on the social security here at all so I had to pay anyway, but no side effects.

Thank you for all your replies, Amyjade it was because of your very sad loss and you mentioning Prevenar before on another thread I read recently that I have decided to get my LO vaccinated sooner rather than later. Before February I didn't even know that there was a vaccine available privately.

Regarding the vaccine on the NHS, I have spoken to my local primary care trust who say that it is the Government's intention for a catch up campaign for those under 2 as well as the baby 2/3 month jab, the only problem is that they are waiting for the manufacture to make enough supplies before starting the campaign, so who knows when it would be.

Thanks for the other posts noting no serious side effects, I am always so nervous about vaccines and any after-effects.

I shall book her appointment tomorrow. Thanks everyone.