What do you think about the MenB vaccine?

[specialmom]

I had something hit my inbox regarding MenB vaccine for teenagers.  Truthfully, never heard of that on my kid's vaccine schedule or knew of the  need.  I guess the age to get it for teens is 16 to 19? Is this  new or have teens been getting this vaccine for a while?  I know the other meningitis vaccines are covered under a different vaccine but MenB is not included with that.  And this one has some horrifying consequences apparently.  Maybe it is just hype but a picture of several young people with their leg cut off at the knee were included with the mailing.  Wondering if this is a routine vaccine or if I need to remember to ask for it next year at my son's 16 yr check up.

[CurfewX]

There are two types of meningitis vaccines - if your child has already had the MenACWY vaccine (recommended around age 11-12), then they're covered for the most common types of meningitis.  MenB is scary, but it's much more of a danger for those who are immunocompromised or on immunosuppressant drugs.  https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mening/public/index.html

If your child doesn't have immune system issues, it's not critical, but if insurance covers the cost, why not get free protection?

[auntiejessi]

A good friend of mine from college died from meningitis, before we were vaccinating for this. I'm not sure which type she had, but I say vaccinate.

[mkh9]

Although it is rare, the disease can be serious if contracted. So the CDC recommends all children 11-12 years old to get the Meningococcal conjugate vaccine. Teens and young adults may also get a serogroup B Meningococcal vaccine. It can be given to other children. Make sure that you read the ingredients and that your child isn't allergic to any of the ingredients. you can ask your pharmacist or doctor about that. The side effects of the injection are possible flu like symptoms and soreness/swelling at the injection site.  If your child has lowered immunity due to a disease, you would have to ask the doctor about whether it was right for your child.
https://www.vaccines.gov/diseases/meningococcal
regards,
mkh9