When you think about your child's health, the word "meningitis" can make you a little scared, right? Because it's a very dangerous bacterial infection that affects the brain and spinal cord. But don't worry, there are good vaccines to protect us, especially our children, from such serious diseases. Today we're going to talk about one such very important vaccine, the one that protects against meningitis. Let's talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is this meningitis vaccine?
This is the vaccine that protects you from a disease called meningitis caused by bacteria. The most important thing about this is that this vaccine does not contain live bacteria . This means that you will not get meningitis at all by getting this vaccine. This is done by teaching our body's immune system to recognize that dangerous bacteria and make the necessary soldiers (antibodies) to fight against it. In Sri Lanka as well as in the world, this vaccine can be seen under brand names like `(Menactra)` and `(Menveo)`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated
Before receiving this vaccine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your or your child's health, especially the following:
| Situation to be concerned about | Details to tell the doctor |
|---|---|
| Bleeding diseases | Do you have a medical condition that causes you to bleed profusely, even from a minor cut? If so, please tell us about it. |
| Fever or infection | If you have any infections, such as fever or cold, on the day of the vaccination, please tell us about it. |
| Guillain-Barre syndrome | Have you ever had this nervous system disease before? Be sure to inform your doctor about it. |
| Immune system weaknesses | If your immune system is weakened, whether due to a disease like HIV or another medication, tell us about it. |
| Allergies | Have you ever had an allergy to a previous vaccine, diphtheria toxoid, latex, other medications, foods, or dyes? |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should tell your doctor. |
How is the vaccine given?
This is usually injected into a muscle in your upper arm . This vaccine is given only by a doctor or trained health professional, in a hospital or clinic . You will not be given this to take home.
Before you are given the vaccine, you will be given a Vaccine Information Sheet. Always read it carefully, as the information may be updated.
Do you give this to small children?
Yes. Sometimes, pediatricians recommend giving this vaccine even as young as 9 months , considering certain risk factors for the child. But that is the decision of your child's doctor. So, talk to him/her carefully about giving this vaccine to your child.
Other medications that may interact with this vaccine
If you are taking medication for other conditions, it is very important to tell your doctor about that as well, as some medications can affect the effectiveness of this vaccine.
- Medicines for cancer
- Medications given after organ transplant
- Medicines such as `(adalimumab)`, `(anakinra)`, `(infliximab)` given for diseases such as arthritis
- Other types of vaccines
- Steroids, such as prednisone or cortisone
This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Side effects that can be expected after receiving the vaccine
Like any vaccine, this one can cause minor side effects. But most of them are nothing to worry about. Let's take a look at what these side effects are.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips/tongue/face. |
| Difficulty breathing | If you feel like you're having trouble breathing. |
| Dizziness/fainting | Dizziness , feeling faint, falling. |
| High fever | If the fever is higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 Celsius). |
| Muscle weakness | Abnormal muscle weakness, drooping of part of the face. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
|---|---|
| Changes in the body | Feeling cold, indigestion-like stomach upset, headache, loss of appetite. |
| Pains | Muscle soreness, pain at the injection site. |
| Tiredness | Feeling tired. |
Important: If you suspect that you have been given an overdose of the vaccine (which is highly unlikely as this is given in a hospital setting), do not panic and go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Take-Home Message
- This is a vaccine that protects against a dangerous bacterial infection called meningitis. Since it does not contain live bacteria, this vaccine will not cause the disease.
- Before getting the vaccine, tell your doctor about your complete health history, medications you take, and allergies.
- This vaccine is given only in a hospital or clinic by a trained professional.
- It is normal to experience some soreness, a slight fever, and fatigue after the injection. However, if you have a severe allergic reaction, high fever, or difficulty breathing, see a doctor immediately.
- Keep in mind that this vaccine may not protect against all types of meningitis.
- If you have any further questions about this vaccine, please do not hesitate to ask your doctor.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න