Meningitis is a condition that is caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. There are two types of vaccines that can be given to help prevent this illness. This condition can cause life-threatening and long-term illness, especially in young adults. Protecting yourself against meningitis is important due to the severity of the possible effects of contracting it.
There are two kinds of vaccines for meningitis. The vaccine that you are given might depend on your age. The two types of vaccines are:
All 11-12-year-olds should get the MenACWY vaccine and then have a booster when they are 16 years of age. Teens and young adults between the ages of 16-23 years of age can get the Men B vaccine. It is recommended that children and adults who are at risk get vaccinated as well using the vaccine that is recommended by their doctor.
This vaccine is recommended for preteens and teens ages 11-12. Children or adults who are likely to be exposed should be vaccinated as well. Those who are going to attend college are usually recommended to get vaccinated if they have not been already.
Those with complement component deficiency should get this vaccine and those who are taking a complement inhibitor. If you have a damaged spleen, sickle cell disease, or you have had part of your spleen removed, you should also get vaccinated. Additionally, if you are going to be travelling to places where serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningitis is common, you should be vaccinated for this type of disease.
Always ask your doctor about the recommended guidelines for vaccination if you are going to be travelling or if you are going to be moving into a housing location like a dormitory. These types of conditions where people are living closely together can lead to a vastly increased risk of contracting meningitis.
Many people experience mild symptoms after they receive this vaccine. You might have soreness or redness at the site of the shot. You could also feel tired, have a low fever or get the chills. Nausea and joint pain, as well as headache and fatigue, have also been reported.
Always seek medical care for symptoms like swollen or itchy throat, fast heartbeat, weakness, or dizziness. These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.