vaccine worries for my 11 & 12 year old...

[kangareaux]

PLEASE don't get all bent out of shape and start a debate over this post. I just want opinions on what YOU would do in my case. I'm NOT trying to open a a can of worms here. PLAY NICE...PLEASE!

That said....

DD11 and DS12 are due for their MCV4 (meningococcal) vaccines. This is on the CDC handout about the vaccine:


A few cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a serious
nervous system disorder, have been reported among
people who got MCV4. There is not enough
evidence yet to tell whether they were caused by the
vaccine. This is being investigated by health officials.


I have just found out in the last month that 3 of my husband aunts have had this and have lasting effects from it. One is recovering currently.

Of course, I plan to discuss it witht the pediatrician. But this worries the crap outta me! Guillain-Barre is not genetic, but it is believed that there is a genetic predisposition to it. That genetically SOME people are just more succeptible to it. my kids have had all their vaccinations up till this one, but this one is REALLY bothering me.

 

[luvmy3]

Whats a few? How many vaccinations have been administered without any cases? I would need to see real statistics before worrying but I can understand with your family history why you would be concerned. I have an 11 year old dd who will be getting the vaccine because I had a co-worker who lost their child to menningitis so I know how quick it can take an otherwise healthy child away.

 

[CathrynRose]

PLEASE don't get all bent out of shape and start a debate over this post. I just want opinions on what YOU would do in my case. I'm NOT trying to open a a can of worms here. PLAY NICE...PLEASE!

That said....

DD11 and DS12 are due for their MCV4 (meningococcal) vaccines. This is on the CDC handout about the vaccine:


A few cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a serious
nervous system disorder, have been reported among
people who got MCV4. There is not enough
evidence yet to tell whether they were caused by the
vaccine. This is being investigated by health officials.


I have just found out in the last month that 3 of my husband aunts have had this and have lasting effects from it. One is recovering currently.

Of course, I plan to discuss it witht the pediatrician. But this worries the crap outta me! Guillain-Barre is not genetic, but it is believed that there is a genetic predisposition to it. That genetically SOME people are just more succeptible to it. my kids have had all their vaccinations up till this one, but this one is REALLY bothering me.

My opinion - if you're getting a little voice in your ear telling you no, then don't do it. I trusted my gut for my youngest son, and I'm still happy I did.

I don't care what anyone says, or anything else - I trust my instincts with everything, and it's never steered me wrong, ever. The only time I ever encountered issues, is when I had a *gut* feeling and brushed it off.

Good luck with whatever you decision is.

 

[kangareaux]

Whats a few? How many vaccinations have been administered without any cases? I would need to see real statistics before worrying but I can understand with your family history why you would be concerned. I have an 11 year old dd who will be getting the vaccine because I had a co-worker who lost their child to menningitis so I know how quick it can take an otherwise healthy child away.

I don't know how many, but the fact that the CDC puts it on the vaccine handout sheet makes me think if THEY take it that seriously, then it's more than they are going to admit to. (Now, you've all mt my paranoid side...LOL!)

 

[piglet too]

I think talking to the doctor is a great thing. Take what answers (s)he gives you and make your decision from there. For me, the fear of meningitis outweighed the chance of side effects. I had meningitis when I was two and almost died, I did lose most of my hearing though.

 

[luvmy3]

I don't know how many, but the fact that the CDC puts it on the vaccine handout sheet makes me think if THEY take it that seriously, then it's more than they are going to admit to. (Now, you've all mt my paranoid side...LOL!)

I would think the CDC would be much more specific with real statistics instead of saying " a few". A few could mean 3 or 300 and depending on how many kids have gotten the vaccine it could make a huge difference. Also how many is a few compared to other vaccines where a few people developed GB? I don't think they are doing any favors for us parents who have general concerns about the vaccine when they state it that way, KWIM.
I would talk to your ped and do a litle research. Is the risk with this one more than the risk you took with any other vaccines for your children? (You don't need to answer, I'm just giving you some food for thought). I don't think you are being paranoid at all, I think the most important thing us parents can do is educate ourselves with all the info we can find and make our decision based on that. I hope you are able to find what you need to put your mind at ease with whatever decision you make.

 

[kangareaux]

My opinion - if you're getting a little voice in your ear telling you no, then don't do it. I trusted my gut for my youngest son, and I'm still happy I did.

I don't care what anyone says, or anything else - I trust my instincts with everything, and it's never steered me wrong, ever. The only time I ever encountered issues, is when I had a *gut* feeling and brushed it off.

Good luck with whatever you decision is.

Thanks. yeah, that little voice is there. I'm thinking that if I decide to listen, then we'll probably have to change pediatricians....which in reality would be no great loss. (That sounded worse than I meant it to...but it's the truth... LOL!) *groan*

OT....I've been meaning to ask you something. have you tried WEN shampoo. (OK...their selling point is that it's NOT shampoo, but anyway....) I keep seeing the infomercial and think of you every time I happen across it! (If you want to answer on the make-up thread, that's fine. I just had to ask when I thought about it or I knew I'd never remember later...)

 

[kangareaux]

I would think the CDC would be much more specific with real statistics instead of saying " a few". A few could mean 3 or 300 and depending on how many kids have gotten the vaccine it could make a huge difference. Also how many is a few compared to other vaccines where a few people developed GB? I don't think they are doing any favors for us parents who have general concerns about the vaccine when they state it that way, KWIM.
I would talk to your ped and do a litle research. Is the risk with this one more than the risk you took with any other vaccines for your children? (You don't need to answer, I'm just giving you some food for thought). I don't think you are being paranoid at all, I think the most important thing us parents can do is educate ourselves with all the info we can find and make our decision based on that. I hope you are able to find what you need to put your mind at ease with whatever decision you make.

Thanks for the kind words. I was worried I was gonna get my tukkus handed to me on a platter for asking a vaccine question. And also thanks for *thinking out loud* and adding to my list of things to ask the doctor about. I'm going in with a written list. I always forget what I want to ask. Add in the fact that some doctors don't like to be questioned on things and there are always questions I wish I'd asked but didn't.

 

[debster812]

DS is 12 now. We were offered the meningococcal vaccine at his 11 year old checkup last year. We declined it then, and had a great conversation with the Nurse Practitioner. We've decided to wait a few more years, as it's recommended for ages 11-18. He'll likely need it to go to college, so we may wait that long, unless there is a meningitis outbreak locally. If that happens, we'll be getting the shot.

 

[LuvOrlando]

-

 

[3boymthr]

Just make sure to check with your kids' school on this. Will you have problems keeping them in school without the vaccine or is it optional?

That said, definitely go with your gut on this one especially where there is a familial history of GB. Also, doesn't the CDC have an information hotline? Maybe you could call them about the statistics?

You know I don't think my son had this vaccine....

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

We've talked about it as well and have decided to delay the shot. My DS has had an "interesting" health year and given what has already occurred, we've decided not to tax his immune system with the shot at this point. We will revisit it annually with his pediatrician...but I'm guessing we'll wait until he's 16+.

K

 

[kangareaux]

Just make sure to check with your kids' school on this. Will you have problems keeping them in school without the vaccine or is it optional?

That said, definitely go with your gut on this one especially where there is a familial history of GB. Also, doesn't the CDC have an information hotline? Maybe you could call them about the statistics?

You know I don't think my son had this vaccine....

That's the only reason we are looking at getting it now. Last I knew this was a vaccine kids got before they left for college. Now our district (or maybe state?) is requiring it in Jr. High. I know their is a medical exemption waiver. (but I hear it's <understandibly> pretty difficult to obtain)

 

[mickeyboat]

I am very pro vaccine. I also encourage parents to educate themselves about vaccines, the diseases they prevent and possible side effects. I would have a serious discussion with my pediatrician about this vaccine, especially given your family history. Good luck.

 

[npmommie]

OP do your kids get the Flu shot? Guillain Barre is also a potential adverse event with the flu vaccine.
I would educate myself fully, discuss with your Pedi, and like CR said, follow your gut.

 

[kangareaux]

OP do your kids get the Flu shot? Guillain Barre is also a potential adverse event with the flu vaccine.
I would educate myself fully, discuss with your Pedi, and like CR said, follow your gut.

No, we do not get the flu shot. And if we did usually get it, I'd be rethinking that too. We just recently found out about DH's aunts.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Are you getting this because of a school requirement?

My 18yodd is off to college this fall and is required to get the shot to live in the dorms. She has never had it before.

My 12yodd has never got it.

 

[robinb]

I am very pro-vaccine, but I do believe that you have a completely valid concern. I think it would help your pediatrician if you can get more information about your DH's family's Guillain Barre disorder (how they think they came down with it, etc) when you go to see him/her. {{hugs}} It's a very tough decision.

 

[englishteacha]

I haven't had a meningitis vaccine. I am going back to school for my Master's and if I were to live on campus, I would need to get one. When I studied abroad, there were signs all over campus about meningitis as there had been several cases. I would do more research before getting the vaccine. Meningitis is pretty scary, but the complications of the vaccine might be worse in your case, OP. Talk to the doctor.

 

[krcit]

I agree with previous posters that you should discuss your concerns with your Dr. I will get my kids the shot when it is recommened but I have a friend who has a son who lost both of his legs to meningitis so I admittingly, I cannot be objective on this vaccine. Good luck with your decision.