Different types of meningitis require different vaccinations to protect young people from the disease. However, the reason for this high incidence has not yet been established. Learn about the possible long-term effects of meningitis here. We provide a complete overview, including causes, symptoms, and treatment. ", JAMA Pediatrics: "Public health and economic consequences of vaccine hesitancy for measles in the United States. At first, symptoms can appear flu-like in nature. Getting kids up to date on the vaccinations required by their schools. Your or your child's doctor can tell you about the vaccine's ingredients. Its recommended that children receive the vaccine when they are 11 or 12 years old, followed by a booster at age 16. Teenagers who receive the MenACWY vaccine at 16 years or later will not ever need a booster. According to the National Meningitis Association (NMA), around 6001,000 in the United States people contract meningococcal disease, which is a type of bacterial meningitis, each year, and 1015% of these people die as a result. If youre in your late teens or early twenties, the chances are your doctor, school, parents, social media adverts or a load of leaflets at university have all suggested you have the meningitis vaccine - but do you really need it? A meningitis vaccine is generally safe. However, they should talk with a doctor to decide if the benefits of getting the vaccine outweigh the risks. The meningitis vaccine is safe. Stiff neck. This is why doctors particularly want teens and young adults protected against the risk by getting the meningitis vaccine. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. If you notice any meningitis symptoms, call your GP or go to A&E immediately. With any medicine, including vaccines, there is a chance of side effects. Getting meningococcal vaccine is much safer than getting the disease. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. What are personal or philosophical exemptions? All rights reserved. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. Every state has laws that require children to get certain vaccines before they can go to school or day care. "What we have found, therefore, is that vaccinating teens against a strain of meningitis bacteria causes rates of infection for that strain to drop in everyone," says Wright. This article explores the meningitis vaccine, who it is for, and its risks and possible side effects. But if not caught and treated immediately, meningitis can result in death. ", Minnesota Department of Health: "Minnesota's Immunization Law Exemption Provision. While any teenmaychoose to get a MenB vaccine, certain preteens and teensshouldget it if they: Meningococcal Vaccines for Preteens and Teens [1 page] This is because vaccines don't exist in a vacuum: their circumstances help dictate the kind of control they should be pitted against. (2020). All 50 states have legislation requiring specified vaccines for students. Meningitis is a rare but fast-moving disease that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes. Meningococcus B meningitis ("Meningitis B") is relatively rare-but disproportionally affects children under the age of 1 and young adults between the ages of 16-24. Drowsiness. However, this early meningitis vaccine was most effective in adults. https://patient.info/news-and-features/do-you-need-the-meningitis-jab, The meningitis and sepsis warning signs everyone should know. Severe headache. Two different meningitis vaccines are currently available in the United States. Theyre an important part of preventive healthcare. Its Not the Science, Measles in America: What Life Was Like Before and After the Vaccine, Yes, Some Adults Do Need to Be Revaccinated Against Measles, Want to Reduce Your Babys Allergy Risk? They have a severe allergy to a vaccine or an ingredient in it. Nyquist also pointed out the vaccines high price tag (over $300) a cost that isnt covered by some healthcare plans. But a number of people may not know that there are different types of meningitis and different vaccinations are needed to inoculate people from them. The side effects that do occur tend to be mild and normally go away on their own after a day or two. COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines can be co-administered without regard to timing. Vaccines cost less in time and money to obtain than infectious diseases cost in time off of work to care for a sick child, potential short- or long-term disability care, and medical costs. Notes on Do you need the meningitis vaccine? The only exceptions are adults who are medically at high risk, such as: Talk with your doctor if youre not sure what your risk of meningitis is. Available data suggest that protection from MenACWY vaccines decreases in many teens within 5 years. Many of the people who got sick lived in communities where there were groups of unvaccinated people. Meningitis is very rare, so data on vaccine effectiveness is limited. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. For example: If you have any questions about if and when you should get a booster or second dose of your vaccine, make sure to ask the healthcare professional that administers your shot. They have a severe allergy to a vaccine or an ingredient in it. Most cases of meningitis in the United States are caused by a viral infection. Let's discuss when to get it and possible side effects: Learn how COVID-19 could lead to meningitis in rare cases and what it may mean for your treatment and outlook. Your or your childs doctor can advise you. Experts also believe MenB vaccines do not provide protection to unvaccinated people through population immunity. Updated. Meningococcal vaccination: What everyone should know. The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has assured that the routine child immunisation vaccine would be available in two weeks. Studies completed last year, before the vaccines were successfully developed, showed that Africans were generally more likely to take vaccines than others, but perceptions on the continent have since hardened. On average there are around 3,200 cases of bacterial meningitis a year; after babies, 16-25 year olds are the age group most affected. In addition to routine vaccination for adolescents, meningococcal ACWY vaccine is also recommended for certain groups of people: People at risk because of a serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease outbreak. If meningitis is suspected you will be given antibiotics to fight the disease - the earlier these are given the better. Its a good idea to talk with your doctor about your risk of meningitis. The preferred age to have the MenB vaccine is between 1618, but people up to 23 years can also benefit from vaccination. Meningococcal Vaccines for Preteens and Teens, Meningococcal Vaccination for Preteens and Teens: Information for Parents, Educational Materials on Meningococcal Disease, Recommended Vaccinations for Children (7 through 18 Years Old), Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule for Ages 19 Years or Older, Meningococcal Vaccine Safety Website: A Closer Look at the Safety Data, Frequently Asked Questions about Vaccine Safety, Meningococcal ACWY State Mandates for Elementary and Secondary Schools, Information for the General Public: Cochlear Implants and Vaccination Recommendations, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Meningococcal conjugate or MenACWY vaccines, Serogroup B meningococcal or MenB vaccines, Have a rare type of immune disorder called complement component deficiency, Are taking a type of medicine called a complement inhibitor (for example, Soliris, Have a damaged spleen or sickle cell disease, or their spleen has been removed, Are part of a population identified to be at increased risk because of a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak, Are traveling to or residing in countries in which serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease is common, Are part of a population identified to be at increased risk because of a serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease outbreak, Are a microbiologist who is routinely exposed to, Are not up to date with this vaccine and are a first-year college student living in a residence hall. "Measles tends to be the disease we see the fastest because it's one of the most highly contagious viruses," says Peter Hotez, MD, PhD, professor of pediatrics and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. People who have a mild illness, such as a cold, can probably get these vaccines. At first, symptoms can appear flu-like in nature. If youre a college-age student and havent received a booster dose of MenACWY, youll need to receive it before starting school. Many colleges require students who will be living in dorms to provide proof of the MenACWY vaccine. But there's more to the story. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and free for everyone ages 6 months and older living in the United States, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Meningococcal bacteria are significant causes of meningitis and septicaemia. Need a meningitis (ACWY) vaccination? MenB (recombinant protein) vaccines (Bexsero. During the height of the pandemic, a lot of people are encouraged and often persuaded to get the COVID vaccination. However, in 2016 only 33% of eligible people had the ACWY meningitis vaccine so this 'herd protection' is not as good as it could be. How often do you need a meningitis vaccine? DSHS recognizes, however, that for a small number of people, there may be valid medical reasons for which they cannot receive certain vaccines. Interest in . Meeting requirements set by your employer. "Colleges have the legal authority to require proof of vaccination for students (and already require that students be vaccinated against MMR [measles, mumps and rubella], meningitis, and other vaccine-preventable diseases), but the emergency use authorization (EUA) status of the Covid-19 vaccines raises a wrinkle," Joanne Rosen, an . These vaccines are also given as a two-dose series. The CDC has reported multiple outbreaks, including clusters in New York, Washington state, Texas, Illinois, and California. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Meningitis can be caused by many kinds of bacteria and viruses. ", Health Affairs: "Exempting schoolchildren from immunizations: states with few barriers had highest rates of nonmedical exemptions.". Then they should get that first dose 1 to 6 months after . What are the arguments against vaccine exemptions? Both Stillman and Wukovits lost daughters to meningitis B before the vaccination was released. Serogroup B meningococcal vaccines (MenB) Teens and young adults 16 through 23 years of age, to provide short-term protection against diverse strains of serogroup B meningococcus. Because teens and young adults are the biggest carriers of meningococcal bacteria, they are also the ones most likely to spread it. I understand the risks of not vaccinating self/child. ", The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics: "Exploring the reasons behind parental refusal of vaccines. These include being: Learn more about meningitis in adults here. Getting vaccines on the recommended schedule is the best way to ensure the vaccine takes effect and provides protection. Salmonella meningitis is a kind of bacterial meningitis that can be dangerous if not treated. A Republican lawmaker wants to suspend parts of a new state policy requiring students to get the meningitis vaccine and medical providers to document a history of chickenpox in order for children to skip a vaccine against that disease. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Some parents fear that the risks of vaccines outweigh the benefits. I did a colonoscopy in december and was diagnosed with lymphocytic colitis, but nothing else was found. ", National Conference of State Legislatures: "States with religious and philosophical exemptions from school immunization requirements. I further understand We know of 31 college campuses affected by meningitis B since 2008.. Tell the person who is giving you or your child a meningococcal vaccine if: There are 2 types of meningococcal vaccines available in the United States: Vaccines that help protect against meningococcal disease work well but cannot prevent all cases. Anyone who thinks they might be at high risk of getting the disease should consult their doctors about getting a vaccine for themselves or their children. NCSL's experts are here to answer your questions and give you unbiased, comprehensive information as soon as you need it . Part of the reason that meningitis rates are so low in the United States is due to the high vaccination rates. There are 2 types of meningococcal vaccines: The MenACWY vaccine for preteens, teens, and children and adults with certain health conditions Learn about the differences between viral and bacterial meningitis, including their causes, symptoms, treatments, and outlook. All of those things are creating an environment where you can have an outbreak situation., Wukovits agrees. The study has since been discredited many times, the doctor lost their medical license, and The Lancet retracted the report. As horrifying as it is to think that any child might go needlessly unprotected, expanding vaccination to older children - who are at much smaller risk - could make such treatments so expensive. What are the differences between viral vs. bacterial meningitis? These and other recent disease outbreaks have led some states to consider passing stricter vaccine exemption laws, while others, such as Arizona, have moved to loosen restrictions. "It hasn't been around long enough." Point taken. . 44 out of 747 umrah pilgrims are late to get vaccine eventhough this vaccine must be given no later than 14 days before the . In 1855, Massachusetts became the first state to require children to get vaccinated to attend school. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. This can lead to severe brain damage, amputations and, sometimes, death. The CDC recommends that people have a vaccination against meningitis. This is because even kids who have been vaccinated may be at a small risk if there is a child in the community who has the illness. Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Learn more about meningitis in newborns here. Pale blotchy skin with spots or a rash - don't wait for a rash before seeking help, as this can be a late sign, or may not appear at all If you notice any meningitis symptoms, call your GP or go to A&E immediately. If you think you have meningitis, go to the ER immediately. Talk to their doctor or read about the benefits of vaccines and the risks of not vaccinating their children.