Where is meningitis vaccine given

There are several types of vaccine, and each type is given at a different age and protects against a different type of meningitis. Meningitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the meninges, which are the membranous coverings that protect the brain and spinal cord. It is most often due to bacteria or a virus.

Bacterial meningitis is particularly dangerous. It can cause permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss or brain damage, or lead to death within a matter of hours. It is especially dangerous to infants and young children. Keep reading to learn more about scheduling for different meningitis vaccines, the benefits of these vaccines, the risks of meningitis, and why vaccination is important. There are different types of meningitis vaccine that doctors will administer at different ages.

Vaccines protect against bacterial meningitis and some forms of viral meningitis. Before a vaccine became available for it, Haemophilus influenzae type b Hib was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis. Hib is much less common today due to vaccinations. Doctors usually administer the Hib vaccine at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. They will administer it again between the ages of 12 and 15 months.

Pneumococcus bacteria can cause meningitis and other serious infections, such as pneumonia. Initial vaccination occurs at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, and an infant will receive another dose between the ages of 12 and 15 months.

This vaccine series usually starts at the age of 11 years. However, children with certain conditions may receive it earlier. The recommendation is that teenagers and young adults aged 16—23 years also receive the serogroup B meningococcal vaccine, especially if they fit into a high risk category. This vaccine protects against measles , mumps , and rubella.

Before this vaccine was available, mumps was a common cause of viral meningitis. Measles is also a cause of meningitis. Doctors typically administer this vaccine when an infant is 12—15 months of age and again when they are 4—6 years of age. Meningitis rates are at an all-time low in the U. Experts believe that MenACWY and MenB vaccines provide protection to people who have been vaccinated but do not protect the larger, unvaccinated community through herd immunity.

There are numerous types of meningitis. The sections below will look at some of these types in more detail. They might need more booster doses as long as the risk factor remains.

For those without risk factors, the decision to receive the MenB vaccine should be made together by teens, their parents, and the doctor. For them, the preferred age range is 16—18 years.

Usually, they need 2 doses. Meningococcal disease is caused by a type of bacteria. It can lead to an infection of the bloodstream or meningitis, or both, and can be life-threatening if not quickly treated.

The MenACWY vaccine is very effective at protecting against four strains of the bacteria, while the MenB vaccine protects against a fifth strain. Some of the most common side effects are swelling, redness, and pain at the site of the injection, along with headache, fever, or tiredness. Serious problems, such as allergic reactions, are rare. The meningococcal vaccines contains only a small piece of the germ, so it can't cause meningococcal disease.

Your child might have a fever, soreness, and some swelling and redness at the injection area. Check with your doctor to see if you can give either acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain or fever and to find out the right dose. A warm, damp cloth or a heating pad on the injection site may help reduce soreness, as can moving or using the arm. Your Child's Immunizations: Meningococcal Vaccines. This helps your body make antibodies that can recognize and destroy the bacteria if you are exposed to it later.

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord. Meningococcal disease also causes infections in the blood. These infections can be serious and can even cause death or long-term health problems. Scientists divide meningococcal bacteria into "groups. Just because you've been immunized against one group of meningococcal bacteria does not mean you are totally protected against getting meningococcal disease from a different group.

Immunization schedules and requirements for vaccines vary by province and territory. Contact your local public health unit for more information. The Men-C-C meningococcal vaccine works well. Booster shots of this vaccine are given to keep the protection level high. The level of protection goes down over a period of years.

Not enough information is available to say how long the 4CMenB vaccine protection lasts. Meningococcal vaccines are safe medicines. Side effects are usually mild and may include:. Even though serious allergic reactions are rare with these medicines, call your doctor or local health unit right away if you or your child has trouble breathing, a high fever, or anything unusual after having the shot. Tell your doctor or public health nurse if your child has had a severe reaction to any vaccine or has severe allergies.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. Drug Reference is not available in all systems. The menigococcal vaccine can be given at the same time as other routine childhood vaccinations. No evidence has shown that Canadian university students who live in dormitories or residence halls are at higher risk of getting meningococcal disease. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.