Reasons against receiving the meningitis vaccination
Meningitis, a severe and potentially life-threatening condition, can be prevented with the meningitis vaccine. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on the meningitis vaccine, its types, recommended age groups, and side effects.
The meningitis vaccine protects against infections caused by the Neisseria meningitides bacteria, which can lead to meningitis and bloodstream infections. In the U.S., around 600-1,000 people contract meningococcal disease each year, and 10-15% of these people die as a result.
Two types of meningitis vaccines are available in the U.S.: Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) and Meningococcal B (MenB). The MenACWY vaccine protects against meningococcal bacteria types A, C, W, and Y, while the MenB vaccine protects against meningococcal bacteria type B.
The MenACWY vaccine is routinely given first at age 11 or 12, with a booster dose at age 16. Teens aged 13–18 who have not been vaccinated should get vaccinated, with those receiving their first dose between 13–15 needing a booster at 16–18. If the first dose is given after age 16, no booster is needed. Infants as young as 2 months old can have the MenACWY vaccine if they are at risk of getting the disease.
MenB vaccine is not routinely given to all healthy people but is recommended for those 10 years or older at increased risk. Healthy adolescents and young adults aged 16–23 (ideally 16–18) may receive MenB based on shared clinical decision-making, usually given in a 2-dose series (0 and 6 months).
It is essential to note that people with certain health conditions, such as a severe allergy to any ingredient in the vaccine, moderate-to-severe illness, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, should consult a doctor before getting the meningitis vaccine. Additionally, people with conditions such as complement component deficiency, a damaged spleen or removed spleen, sickle cell disease, HIV, or living in an area with a high burden of disease, should get the meningitis vaccine.
People who will travel to countries where the disease is common or has a meningococcal disease outbreak should also get the vaccine. Adults at higher risk of contracting meningococcal disease include microbiologists exposed to the bacteria, those not up to date with their vaccinations, first-year college students who will live in a residence hall, and military recruits.
Vaccinations offer protection, especially in individuals at an increased risk of getting the disease. However, mild side effects of the meningitis vaccine include redness or soreness at the injection site, muscle pain, tiredness, headache, muscle or joint pain, nausea, diarrhea, fever, or chills. These side effects are generally mild and often resolve without intervention.
Serious side effects, such as severe allergic reactions, serious injury, or death, are extremely rare. The meningitis vaccine can be obtained from local health centers, pharmacies, community health clinics, private clinics, health departments, and community locations such as schools and religious centers.
Under the provisions of the Affordable Care Act, Health Insurance Marketplace plans and most private insurance plans cover the meningococcal vaccine. For more detailed information, consult the MSD Manual, Nemours KidsHealth, PMC Article on Meningococcal B Vaccine Safety, and CDC ACIP Recommendations.
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