Considering private MenB vaccine for my 14-year-old, is it necessary?

[Owlmoonstar]

Hello.

Are any parents going to get a MenB vaccine for their high school age children?

My daughter is 14 and I'm looking to take her and pay privately.

Am I being irrational?

Although, I am struggling to find somewhere local with stock.

Teenagers/adults under 25 are most at risk (absolute risk still low) when at university. Living in halls is higher risk for transmission than living at home. Protection lasts 2-5 years so your DD would need a booster when going to university. Going out clubbing and other activities leading to shared drinks, vapes and kissing also risk factors. Only you know whether that applies to your teen!

I’m considering it for my 13 year old. She’s going to a huge international competition this summer and will be in the older group so with 14-18 year olds in close quarters for hours every day for 10 days. She has a lowered immune system for other reasons so we tend to be on the cautious side.

I dont see why not if you can afford it. Make the most of our ability to prevent the illness

Yes def do it- we paid privately for our dc as soon as it was available years ago it’s really important and I’m surprised there hasn’t been a catch up campaign for those born before 2015 already.

Does protection only last 2-5 yrs for children given it as infants as well? I’d assumed this wouldn’t be an issue I’d have to worry about for my children once they reach uni age but maybe not!

Me personally, I would wait a bit longer (unless you want to have it done again before uni). The highest risk is for people living in close quarters with high levels of contact (uni halls not your private home), though under 5s are particularly vulnerable and at risk of death. I will have it done for my oldest one who missed out, but not until closer to when she moves out to uni. I’ll leave the current supply of vaccines for those most at risk right now.

Best thing you could do though is to make sure she gets her MenACWY in Y9. Men C is particularly dangerous.

Yes, if you can afford it.

You are also helping everyone else as it will help stop the spread.

@WhatAMarvelousTune I tried to find a scientific paper to answer that last night and couldn't (also relevant as my toddler had doses and I don't know how long that immunity lasts). But I'm not a expert, just good with Google Scholar searches.

I wish the NHS would put out a clear explainer about this!

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to get it done if and when possible. I know there is a shortage at the moment.

I think much of the stock is being redirected to Kent

I've read that the vaccine only lasts about 5 years and only covers some of the Men B variants. Given to babies as most risk age, but assume immunity won't last to uni age