Meningococcal Vaccine: A Shield Against Deadly Infections

Before knowing about the meningococcal (meningococcal) vaccine, you have to know about meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease is a type of infection, which is caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. This deadly bacteria is the main cause of bacterial meningitis in children aged 2 to 18 years around the world. Many people do not fall ill despite the presence of meningococcal bacteria in their body, such people are called carriers. Meningococcal bacteria mainly cause meningitis and septicemia.

In meningococcal meningitis, the layer covering the brain and spinal cord gets swollen. Apart from this, the following types of symptoms are seen in the patient.

• Fever 
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light
• Confusion
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting 
• Child less active, irritable, vomiting and loss of appetite

Meningococcal septicemia is a blood infection that causes bleeding from the skin and organs. Its common symptoms are described below.

• Chills and fever 
• Feeling tired
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Cold hands and feet
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain 
• Chest pain
• Stomach pain, etc.

It is generally seen that 1 in 5 people suffering from meningococcal become disabled for a long time. Along with this, many people also have to face hearing loss or brain damage.

Meningococcal bacteria mainly spreads through the saliva and spit of the infected person. Generally, this bacteria easily infects another person when the infected person sneezes, coughs or kisses. Apart from this, living with a patient suffering from meningococcal also increases the chances of getting this disease to a great extent.

There are two types of meningococcal vaccine -

• MenACWY vaccine:

This vaccine is given to teenagers, children and adults suffering from a particular health problem.

• MenB vaccine:

This vaccine is given to children and adults aged 10 years or above suffering from a particular health problem. It is also given to those living in the affected area of ​​B meningococcal disease.

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Meningococcal vaccine is given to those adolescents and adults who live in the same room with someone. Meningococcal vaccine is recommended for the following types of people.

• People suffering from HIV
• In case of spleen damage,
• Those who have immune related disorders,
• People living with a meningococcal patient
• People traveling to an area affected by meningococcal disease, etc.

The amount of medicine may vary depending on the type of this vaccine. Know in detail below-

• MenACWY vaccine

It is given in two doses to adolescents and adults aged 11 to 18 years.

The vaccine is given to children from 2 months of age to adults who are at high risk of meningococcal disease. The dose of the vaccine may vary according to many circumstances. 

• MenB vaccine

Adolescents and adults aged 10 years or above who are at risk of meningococcal B are given different doses of the vaccine. Generally, it is considered appropriate for adolescents aged 16 to 18 years.

(Read more - Vaccination During Pregnancy)

Meningococcal vaccine is available in many brands in the country to prevent meningococcal disease bacteria. The quantity and price of this vaccine may vary depending on the brand. Some meningococcal vaccines available in the country and their prices are described in detail below.

• Meningococcal Vaccine                                      Price
• Bi Meningo vaccine                                              450
• Menactra Vaccine                                                4950
• Meningitis Act                                                        381
• Menomune Injection                                              518

Generally, the side effects of meningococcal vaccine are very mild and they get cured in a few days. Serious side effects from this vaccine are seen in very few cases. It is safe to apply this vaccine, but there are many cases in which the reactions of this vaccine can be serious.The common side effects of meningococcal vaccine are described as follows-

• Pain, swelling and redness at the site of injection, 
• Adults may complain of headache and muscle pain due to this vaccine.
• Infants, children and adults may get mild fever after the vaccine. 
• Fatigue. 
• Some people start having muscle pain after the injection.
• Joint pain after the injection. 
• Chills and fever. 
• Upset stomach.
• Diarrhea. 

In very rare cases, a person may have an allergic reaction to the vaccine. This can happen a few minutes or a few hours after taking the vaccine.

• Weakness and pain in hands and legs (This can happen 2 to 4 weeks after taking the vaccine)
• The child becomes irritable, 
• Sometimes the child keeps crying for a long time after taking the vaccine. If any kind of serious side effects are seen in the child or adult after taking the vaccine, consult a doctor immediately.

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Sometimes a meningococcal vaccine is not recommended in certain circumstances. Due to some disease or other health condition, doctors do not consider it appropriate to give this vaccine to children or adults. Let us know further who should not take the meningococcal vaccine.

If a person has a fatal allergy to the previous dose of meningococcal vaccine or has an allergy at the site of injection, then in such a situation the person should not take the vaccine again. 

People who have a minor illness (such as cold or mucus etc.) while taking the dose of meningococcal vaccine can be given the vaccine. But if the child or person is suffering from a serious illness while taking the vaccine, then one should wait until the person recovers before taking the vaccine dose. Also, definitely talk to your doctor about this. 

People who have any kind of serious allergy to the ingredients present in the meningococcal vaccine should not take this vaccine.

If you are allergic before taking the vaccine, you should talk to your doctor.

A pregnant woman should consult a doctor before taking the vaccine. 

Which medicines should not be taken while taking meningococcal vaccine

If you are taking any type of medicines or undergoing treatment for weak immunity, then consult a doctor before taking the vaccine. This can cause many side effects. Not only this, if you have taken any other medicine before taking the vaccine, then you should also tell the doctor about it. Meningococcal vaccines should not be taken while taking some of the following treatments and medicines.

Using any steroid medicine

Chemotherapy 

Getting treated with radiation therapy, etc.

(Read more - Types of vaccines and examples)

Meningococcal vaccination is an important vaccine that protects against serious infections caused by meningococcal bacteria, such as meningitis and septicemia. This bacteria can affect the membranes of the brain and spinal cord and can be fatal if not treated on time. This vaccine is especially important for children, adolescents and individuals with a weak immune system. It is usually given as an injection and there are different types available (such as MenACWY and MenB). Meningococcal vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection and promotes herd immunity. It should be taken on time as advised by the doctor.