What is Meningococcal Vaccine?
The meningococcal vaccine guards the kids against the meningococcal disease which is a severe bacterial infection leading to bacterial meningitis.
Vaccine Schedule
The child must be given the meningococcal vaccine at the ages:
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11 or 12 year (booster shot at age 16)
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13-18 year (if the child wasn't previously vaccinated)
Why Your Child Needs This Vaccine?
Meningococcal disease caused by bacterium Neisseria meningitides can cause infection of bloodstream or meningitis, and in some cases both. This can be life threatening if not treated properly. The meningococcal vaccine protects against the four strains of meningococcal bacteria.
Risk Associated with the Vaccine
The common side effects of meningococcal vaccine include swelling, pain near the injected area, redness, headache, mild fever, or fatigue. Occurrence of serious problems like allergic reactions happen to be very rare.
When not to give the vaccine
You should avoid or delay the vaccine, if:
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Your child is presently sick, however; there is no harm in giving the vaccine during simple cold or any minor illness.
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Your child had serious allergic reaction to earlier dose of meningococcal vaccine.
Child Care Post Vaccination
If your child has pain or fever, you can consult a doctor and get the prescribed medicines for the same. For soreness and swelling near the injected area, keeping a warm damp cloth can provide relief.
Can Meningococcal Vaccine be given with other vaccines?
There is no harm in giving the meningococcal vaccine at the same time as other vaccine.
When to seek medical help
You must speak to the doctor if you aren't sure whether the child should be given the vaccine or it has to be delayed. Also, if you observe any serious problem post the immunization, like allergy or high fever, or anything else that seems to be a matter of concern, report to the medical aid without causing any further delay.