When you go to give your child a vaccine, the doctor may sometimes mention a disease called 'Meningitis'. Simply put, this is a severe type of brain fever. Today we are going to talk about a special vaccine that is given to protect against this dangerous disease. The medical name for this is the Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine. Although this name is a bit complicated, the service it provides is very valuable.
What is this meningococcal vaccine?
In simple terms, this is a vaccine that protects us from meningitis, an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which is caused by a type of bacteria. The important thing about this is that this vaccine does not contain live bacteria . This means that you will not get meningitis from getting this vaccine. This is done by training our body's immune system to recognize the bacteria in question and fight it.
This vaccine is commonly known in Sri Lanka by the brand name `Menomune A/C/Y/W-135`. However, when you talk to your doctor about this, he will explain this to you in more detail.
Things to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated
Before getting this vaccine, it is essential to inform your doctor about certain things about your or your child's health. This will help him or her decide whether it is safe to give the vaccine.
Be sure to tell your doctor about these things:
- If you currently have a fever or other infection .
- If you have previously had a nervous system condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome .
- If you have a weakened immune system (for example, HIV infection, cancer, or taking immunosuppressive medications).
- If you have an allergic reaction to this meningococcal vaccine, latex , other medications, foods, or dyes.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child .
It is very important for your own safety to talk to the doctor without hiding this information.
How is this vaccine given?
This is not something you can do at home. It is an injection under the skin , given by a trained medical professional in a hospital or clinic.
Before you are given the vaccine, you will be given a Vaccine Information Statement. Always read it carefully, as the information may change from time to time.
Do you give this to small children?
Yes, in some special cases, this vaccine can be given to children as young as 2 years old. However, this is decided by your pediatrician. He or she will make that decision based on the child's health condition and needs. Therefore, if you have any questions about your child, talk to your doctor about it.
What if you accidentally overdose? This is not usually the case, as it is administered by a trained professional. However, if you suspect something like this, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Side effects that may occur after receiving the vaccine
Like any vaccine, this one can cause minor side effects. But there's nothing to worry about. Most of the time, these will subside within a day or two. However, there are some things we need to be aware of. Let's divide these side effects into two categories.
| Nature of the side effect | Related symptoms |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Severe Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing or choking. |
| Other serious symptoms | Feeling dizzy , fainting, falling, fever over 102 Fahrenheit (38.9 Celsius), muscle weakness, and drooping of part of the face. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| General characteristics | Feeling cold and flu-like, upset stomach or diarrhea, headache, loss of appetite, body aches, pain or redness at the injection site, and fatigue. |
Other medications that may interact with this vaccine
Some medications you are taking may affect the effectiveness of this vaccine. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, whether prescribed by your doctor, bought from a pharmacy, traditional medicines, or vitamins.
In particular, be sure to inform us if you are taking the following medications:
- Immunosuppressive drugs: Cancer treatments, drugs given for organ transplants, and drugs given for diseases such as arthritis (adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab).
- Steroids: Drugs such as `(prednisone, cortisone)`.
- Other vaccinations: If you have recently received another vaccine or are scheduled to receive one in the future.
This list is not complete, so it's best to tell your doctor about everything you take.
The most important thing is that this vaccine may not provide 100% protection for everyone. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis. If you develop any symptoms such as severe headache, stiff neck, or high fever, seek medical advice immediately.
Take-Home Message
- This vaccine is given to protect against meningitis (brain fever) caused by a type of bacteria.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies, other medical conditions, and medications you are taking before getting the vaccine.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms (difficulty breathing, facial swelling) or a high fever, seek medical advice immediately.
- This is a vaccine that is usually given at a hospital or clinic, so there is no need to store it at home.
- If you have any concerns, don't be afraid to talk openly with your doctor about them.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න