‘What is Meningococcal Disease?’
Meningococcal disease (Meningococcal disease) is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis that can lead to meningitis or bloodstream infection, which can be fatal within 24 hours if not treated promptly.
Symptoms of Meningococcal Disease
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck, difficulty moving the neck
- Vomiting, lethargy
- In young children, symptoms may include irritability, refusal to feed, mottled skin, or seizures
- In some cases, there may be a non-blanching purpuric rash
Risk Groups Who Should Get Vaccinated
- Children aged 11–18 (adolescents are a high-risk group)
- Students or those living in crowded places such as dormitories
- Individuals with immunodeficiency
- Travelers to countries with outbreaks
- Healthcare workers or those exposed to patients’ bodily fluids
- Individuals without a spleen or with impaired spleen function
- Those at risk due to exposure, such as traveling to outbreak areas or studying abroad
- Depending on educational institution requirements or recommendations of the destination country
- Children aged 2 months and older, considered based on risk, with joint decision-making between parents and doctors
How Many Types of Meningococcal Vaccines Are There?
- ACWY vaccine (Meningococcal conjugate vaccine) protects against 4 main strains: A, C, W, Y and is recommended for adolescents, with booster doses every 5 years for high-risk groups
- B vaccine (Meningococcal B vaccine) protects against strain B commonly found in Europe and America, recommended from age 2 months and older, based on risk and joint decision-making between parents and doctors
Why Should You Get Vaccinated Against Meningococcal Disease?
- This disease has a high mortality rate, and many survivors may suffer complications such as brain damage, limb loss, or permanent hearing problems
- Vaccines can prevent the disease by more than 80–90%
- Reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others, especially in crowded places
Is the Vaccine Safe?
The vaccine is approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and public health agencies worldwide as safe, with few side effects such as pain at the injection site and mild fever, which usually resolve within 1–2 days
When Should You Get Vaccinated?
- For children: aged 11–12 years, with a booster at 16-18 years
- For high-risk groups or travelers: at least 2 weeks before travel
- The 4CMenB vaccine is recommended from age 2 months and older, based on risk and joint decision-making between parents and doctors
Meningococcal Vaccine is an Important Shield
Don’t wait for the disease to strike before protecting yourself. The meningococcal vaccine is one of the vaccines that “should” be received, especially for adolescents, high-risk groups, and those planning to travel abroad
“Safety first, get vaccinated today to prevent future dangers”
