H Influenzae Type B Vaccine
This vaccine protects against H. influenzae type b bacteria, which can cause a range of mild to severe illnesses. These include throat swelling, blood infections and pneumonia.
Before the vaccine, Hib was a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children under age 5.
- Hib vaccine is to infants in three to four doses, starting at 2 months old. In rare cases, it may be recommended for older children and young adults with HIV. The vaccine can be given with other vaccines.
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Meningococcal Vaccines
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.
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Mark and Lisa Gallaghers daughter Letitia died of meningococcal disease in 2012. Since then, theyve been working to raise awareness about the disease and the vaccines available that protect against it. Read more
In the space of 5 hours shed gone from a headache and fever, to nothing they could do.
- refusal to feed
- a rash consisting of reddish-purple pin-prick spots or bruises.
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Who Should Get Meningococcal Vaccines
CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for all preteens and teens. In certain situations, CDC also recommends other children and adults get meningococcal vaccines. Below is more information about which meningococcal vaccines, including booster shots, CDC recommends for people by age.
Talk to your or your childs doctor about what is best for your specific situation.
Redness Or Swelling At The Injection Site
Anytime you pierce the skin and put something into the body it can cause a topical reaction, says Dr. Adalja. This is just a sign that your immune system is activating.
But this redness and swelling where you get your shot is a common side effect that only typically lasts a few days. Itll go away on its own, but if its really bugging you, you can take ibuprofen or acetominophen .
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Who Is At Risk For Meningitis B
Young people aged 16 to 23 are most at risk for meningitis B and living in a dorm or group setting increases your risk. Younger people are also more likely to do things like share drinks or utensils, which also increases risk. There were 14 outbreaks on college campuses in the United States between 2011 and 2019.
Other at-risk groups include people who do not have a spleen, people with sickle cell disease, people who have a form of immunodeficiency called persistent complement component deficiency, and people on the medications eculizumab or rovelizumab.
Meningitis B is spread through contact with someone who is carrying the bacteria. Along with sharing drinks and living in close quarters, kissing, coughing and sneezing can spread the disease.
Why Was The Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Paused
six reported cases of blood clots the 7.7 million peopleWhat to make of the J& J vaccine pause? A doctor who got the shot herself says she’s not worrieduses a completely different technologyadenovirus vector vaccinesaid Dr. Carlos del Rioare giving the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccines instead
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If This Is A Brand New Vaccine How Do We Know Its Safe
Before they’re allowed to be used, all vaccines are carefully tested for safety and effectiveness. They’ve been through up to 10 years of trials in the laboratory and among volunteers.
The UK is the first country to introduce the MenB vaccine into its routine immunisation schedule for children. The vaccine is already offered to children in the UK with certain medical conditions and has also been used to contain outbreaks of MenB disease, where it proved to be both safe and effective. Over 1 million doses have already been given in 19 countries worldwide.
What Are The Meningococcal Vaccine Side Effects
As with any other vaccine, you may have side effects after getting a meningococcal vaccine. The most common reactions are mild and go away after a few days without any problems.
Mild reactions to MenB vaccines seem to last slightly longer than mild reactions to MenACWY vaccines .
Common side effects of the MenACWY vaccines include:
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Skin irritation at the location of the shot
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Headache
-
Chills or fever
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Diarrhea or nausea
Serious but rare side effects from any injected vaccine include severe allergic reactions and fainting. Sit or lay down for about 15 minutes after receiving a vaccine if youre feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
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How Long Do Vaccinations Last
The list below outlines the usual duration of protection once the vaccination course is complete. For some vaccines, the duration of protection is uncertain.
- Chickenpox long-term
- Cholera – up to 2 years
- Diphtheria – 10 years
- Flu vaccine – up to 1 year
- Hepatitis A – Probable lifetime protection
- Hepatitis B – Lifetime
- Japanese B Encephalitis – 2 years to , depending on the vaccine used
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella – Life time
- Meningitis – new conjugate vaccines give up to 5 years protection
- Pneumonia – > 5 years, probably life time
- Polio booster – Life time
- Rabies – Immune memory persists for life booster doses needed only
- Tetanus – 5-10 years
How Effective Is The Vaccine
There are many different MenB strains. This vaccine has been developed to offer protection against as many as possible.
Ten months after the introduction of this vaccine, cases of MenB disease had reduced by half in babies. The MenB vaccine also offers some protection against other types of meningococcal disease, including MenW.
No vaccine will offer complete protection from meningitis. Remaining vigilant is vital.
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The Meningitis B Vaccine Can Help Prevent This Deadly Illness
Weve told you the scary stuff, now heres the part where we give you some reassuring news. First, any form of meningococcal diseaseincluding meningitis Bis relatively rare, and incidents have been on the decline in the last few decades. The CDC says that in 2017, there were about 350 total cases of meningococcal disease reported. Thats 0.11 cases per 100,000 people.
The other good news is that you can reduce your childs risk of getting meningitis B by making sure they get the meningitis B vaccine. The reason that we vaccinate against things is that they are severe diseases, even if they occur rarely, Adam J. Ratner, M.D., director of the division of Pediatric Infectious Disease at NYU Langone and associate professor in both the department of Pediatrics and department of Microbiology at NYU Langone, tells SELF.
The meningitis B vaccine introduces your body to a specific part of the bacteria cell, combined with whats called an adjuvantan extra material that helps boost the effectiveness of the immune responseso your body learns to produce antibodies that target that bacteria. Your body does not see the whole bacteria, and so it’s impossible to get the infection from the vaccine itself, Dr. Vyas explains. Theres more than one meningitis B vaccine available, but both require at least two doses for maximum effectiveness.
More Information About The Vaccine
The MenB vaccine was introduced into the UK schedule on 1st September 2015. The UK is the first country in the world to introduce a MenB vaccine into its routine vaccination schedule. It is expected that results from the UK programme will influence other countries’ decisions about including the MenB vaccine as part of routine vaccination.
There is a useful list of FAQs about the MenB vaccine on the Meningitis Research Foundation website .
Before 1999, most cases of meningococcal disease in the UK were caused by MenC infection. A MenC vaccination programme was successfully introduced in the UK in 1999. Since then, cases of MenC disease have fallen dramatically in the UK. In the last 10 years, about 90% of the cases of meningococcal disease in the UK have been caused by group B infections. Before the MenB vaccine was introduced around 600 people a year in the UK were infected by MenB, mainly babies and children. About 10% of those who get the disease will die .
Charlotte Nott developed septicaemia through type B meningococcal disease infection. In the short film below, her mother, Jenny Daniels, talks about the impact on Charlotte and the rest of her family.
See also our blog posts on the MenB vaccine in the UK:
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What Are Meningitis And Meningococcal Disease
Meningitis is an inflammation of the linings around the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Often, the symptoms of viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis are the same. Diagnosis of both viral and bacterial meningitis is confirmed by a lumbar puncture .
Viral meningitis is serious but rarely fatal in persons with normal immune systems. Usually, symptoms last 7-10 days and the person recovers completely. Many different viruses can cause meningitis. About 90% of cases of viral meningitis are caused by members of a group of viruses known as enteroviruses, such as coxsackieviruses and echoviruses. Herpes viruses and the mumps virus can also cause viral meningitis. There is no vaccination or treatment for viral meningitis .
Bacterial meningitis is of greater concern than viral meningitis, because it is associated with a significant risk of brain damage and death. Meningococcal meningitis, one type of bacterial meningitis, is of particular concern because while uncommon, it does affect college-age students and the disease may progress rapidly if untreated.
How Do You Get Meningococcal Disease
The meningococcal bacteria are usually spread by coming in contact with respiratory secretions when an infected person coughs or sneezes or by having contact with saliva when drinking from a water bottle, sharing straw, cigarettes, and kissing. The bacteria may live in the throat without causing any symptoms, or may cause an infection of the blood or the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
to the Center for Disease Control , the rates of meningitis have been declining since the 1900s as more people were vaccinated and now about 371 people living in the United States will got meningococcal disease in 2019. Even though the total number is low, this is a very serious illness and about 10-15% people infected with the bacteria, will die . The good news is most types of meningococcal disease can be prevented by getting vaccinated.
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Can Menb Disease Be Prevented
Yes. This vaccine helps protect babies against MenB and there are other vaccines, like MenC, that protect against some other types of meningococcal infections.
Immunising babies helps protect them when they’re most at risk of developing meningococcal disease.
Meningitis and septicaemia are very serious diseases that need urgent medical treatment. Some of the symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of flu, so, if youre in any doubt about your babys health, trust your instincts and get advice urgently by phoning your GP, or the 111 service if your GP is closed.
Who Needs A Meningococcal Vaccine
The CDC recommends a meningococcal vaccine for:
- All children ages 11-18 or certain younger high-risk children
- Anyone who has been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak
- Anyone traveling to or living where meningitis is common, such as in sub-Saharan Africa
- Military recruits
- People with certain immune system disorders or a damaged or missing spleen
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What Are The Risks From Meningococcal Vaccine
Most people have mild side effects from the vaccine, such as redness or pain where the shot was given. A vaccine, like any medicine, may cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. This risk is extremely small. Getting the meningococcal vaccine is much safer than getting the disease.
You can learn more on the Vaccine Information Statements for meningococcal ACWY and meningococcal B.
Who Is Most At Risk
Anyone can potentially get meningococcal disease, but, it is more common in:
- babies and young children
- people with a weak immune system for example those having chemotherapy treatment or have HIV
- close contacts of meningococcal disease cases
- those having other respiratory infections
- people living in shared accommodation such as halls of residence , boarding school and hostels
- those living in overcrowded housing
- those exposed to tobacco smoke.
It is possible to get meningitis more than once.
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Who Should Not Get Vaccinated Or Should Wait
- Anyone who has ever had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of MCV4 or MPSV4 vaccine or diphtheria vaccine
- Anyone who has a severe allergy to any vaccine component
- Anyone who is moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled should wait until they recover before receiving the vaccine
- For more information on additional warnings and precautions visit
Heres What You Need To Know
There are two different types of meningitis vaccines. Meningitis B is not covered by the routine meningitis ACWY vaccine your teen likely received when they were younger .
WHILE MENINGITIS B IS UNCOMMON, COLLEGE STUDENTS ARE MORE LIKELY TO ENGAGE IN CERTAIN COMMON BEHAVIORS THAT ARE RISK FACTORS FOR GETTING THE DISEASE, SUCH AS SHARING DRINKS AND LIVING IN CLOSE QUARTERS
CDC DATA FROM 2015 TO 2019 SHOWED THAT 60% OF 266 MENINGITIS CASES IN 16 TO 23 YEAR OLDS WERE CAUSED BY MENINGITIS B
MENINGITIS B VACCINATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL LATE 2014, SO THERES A CHANCE THAT YOUR LOVED ONE HAS NOT BEEN VACCINATED
14 MENINGITIS B OUTBREAKS ON 13 COLLEGE CAMPUSES FROM 2011 TO 2019
50 MENINGITIS B CASES, INCLUDING 2 DEATHS, AT COLLEGES OR UNIVERSITIES ACROSS THE US FROM 2011 TO 2019 AMONG AN AT-RISK POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 253,000 STUDENTS
*An outbreak is defined as 2-3 outbreak-associated cases within a 3-month time period.
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Commonly Asked Questions About The Meningococcal Vaccine
When Are Meningococcal Vaccines Typically Given?
For children younger than 10 and adults, MenACWY is only recommended for patients with certain risk factors. Likewise, MenB may be administered to children over 10 and adults who are at higher risk for certain types of meningitis.
Can Meningococcal Vaccines Cause Fever or Illness?
Can Meningococcal Vaccines Cause Allergic Reactions?
Can Meningococcal Vaccines Cause Meningitis?
How Can I Get Help After a Vaccine Injury?
What Can I Get From a Vaccine Claim?
- Medical costs covering complications
Why Are Meningococcal Vaccines Recommended
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.
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Concerns About Immunisation Side Effects
If a side effect following immunisation is unexpected, persistent or severe, or if you are worried about yourself or your childs condition after an immunisation, see your doctor or immunisation nurse as soon as possible or go directly to a hospital.
It is important to seek medical advice if you are unwell, as this may be due to other illness rather than because of the vaccination.
In Victoria you can report immunisation side effects to SAEFVIC, the vaccine safety and central reporting service on Tel. 1300 882 924 #1. Ask your immunisation provider how to report adverse events in other states or territories.
Common Side Effects Of The Menb Vaccine
The most common side effect seen with the MenB vaccine when it’s given alongside other vaccinations is a high temperature .
It’s important to use paracetamol after vaccination to reduce the risk of a fever.
Studies found that when the MenB was given to babies without paracetamol, more than half of them developed fever.
The fever peaks around 6 hours after vaccination, but is nearly always gone within 2 days.
The fever shows that your baby is responding to the vaccine, although not getting a fever does not mean it has not worked.
Other common side effects of the MenB vaccine in babies and young children include:
- loss of appetite
- unusual crying and irritability
- vomiting and/or diarrhoea
The most common side effect in older children, teenagers and adults is pain, swelling or redness at the injection site.
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How Is Bacterial Meningitis Diagnosed
If you or a loved one has signs of bacterial meningitis, get medical help as soon as possible. The healthcare provider will perform a physical exam, looking for:
- Purple or red skin rash.
- Neck stiffness.
- Hip and knee flexion . The hip and knee may automatically flex when the provider flexes the neck.
People Who Should Not Receive Meningitis Vaccine
When meningitis vaccine side effects are bigger than the benifits it brings, you should should avoid getting either type of meningitis vaccine. For example:
- Anyone who had a history of experiencing a severe sensitivity reaction to some drug or meningococcal vaccine
- Anyone who may be sensitive to certain vaccine components
- Anyone who is ill at the scheduled time for vaccination should wait until recovery before receiving the vaccine
- Anyone who has Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Pregnant women
- People who are hypersensitive to diphtheria toxoid or to latex
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Vaccine Side Effects & Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a vaccine side effect, you should contact a vaccine lawyer with experience in this type of complex litigation.
We have recently partnered with Schmidt & Clark, LLP a Nationally recognized law firm who handles vaccine lawsuits in all 50 states.
The lawyers at the firm offer a Free Confidential Case Evaluation and may be able to obtain financial compensation for you or a loved one by filing a vaccine lawsuit or claim with The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Contact Schmidt & Clark today by using the form below or by calling them directly at .