Which meningitis vaccine should i get

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. Anyone born on or after 1 September who was eligible but missed their teenage MenACWY vaccine can still have the vaccine up to their 25th birthday.

If they've left school including people who have started apprenticeships or joined the armed forces , they should make an appointment with their GP practice. Any university student born on or after 1 September who was eligible but missed their teenage MenACWY vaccine can still have the vaccine up to their 25th birthday.

Students going to university or college for the first time, including overseas and mature students, who have not yet had the MenACWY vaccine remain eligible, as freshers first-year students , up to their 25th birthday.

If that's not possible, they should have it as soon as they can after they begin university. Meningococcal disease meningitis and septicaemia is a rare but life-threatening disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. Older teenagers and new university students are at higher risk of infection because many of them mix closely with lots of new people, some of whom may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria at the back of their nose and throat.

The MenACWY vaccine is highly effective in preventing illness caused by the 4 meningococcal strains, including the extremely harmful MenW strain. Meningococcal disease can cause both meningitis and septicaemia blood poisoning. Septicaemia and meningitis can trigger sepsis , which is a life-threatening response to infection. Meningococcal disease is rare but very serious. It requires urgent hospital treatment. It can lead to life-changing disabilities, such as amputations, hearing loss and brain damage.

Meningitis can sometimes occur as a complication of these infections. The vaccine is usually given to babies at 1 year of age.

They'll then have a second dose when they're 3 years and 4 months old. Young teenagers, sixth formers and "fresher" students going to university for the first time are advised to have the vaccination. Find out more about the meningitis ACWY vaccine. Page last reviewed: 08 March Next review due: 08 March A moderate or severe acute illness is a precaution; vaccination should be deferred until the person's condition has improved.

Because MenACWY is an inactivated vaccine, it can be administered to people who are immunosuppressed as a result of disease or medications; however, response to the vaccine might be less than optimal. No safety concerns associated with vaccination have been identified in mothers vaccinated during pregnancy or their infants.

Please tell me more about this. Findings from two studies that examined more than 2 million doses of Menactra given since showed no evidence of an increased risk of GBS. This precaution did not apply to other meningococcal vaccines. The vaccine must not be frozen. Vaccine that has been frozen or exposed to freezing temperature should not be used. Do not use after the expiration date. Back to top This page was updated on April 15, This page was reviewed on October 14, Immunization Action Coalition.

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