Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Vaccine
Before a vaccine became available for it, Haemophilus influenzae type b was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis. Hib is much less common today due to vaccinations.
Doctors usually administer the Hib vaccine at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. They will administer it again between the ages of 12 and 15 months.
The dosing regimen depends on the brand of vaccine an infant receives.
Doctors will give this vaccine either alone or as part of a combination vaccine.
Problems That Could Happen After Getting Any Injected Vaccine
- People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes can help prevent fainting, and injuries caused by a fall. Tell the provider if you or your child feel dizzy, have vision changes, or have ringing in the ears.
- As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death.
What If Im A University Fresher
Due to the success of the MenACWY programme offered to all 14-18 year olds in Scotland during 2015/16, the majority of Scottish entrants to university will have already been immunised and therefore there isn’t a need for a specific freshers programme this year in Scotland.
Scottish university entrants starting university this Autumn and who missed the opportunity to get the vaccine last year should contact their GP practice, who’ll advise them if its clinically appropriate for their particular circumstances.
Unvaccinated students coming from other parts of the UK to study in Scotland should make sure they get the vaccine before they travel to Scotland as theres no guarantee the MenACWY vaccine will be available at Scottish university health centres and GP practices.
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What’s The Safest Covid
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, everyone has been looking forward to post-coronavirus life. And most people agree that to get there, we need to follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and protect ourselves. From the implementation of COVID-19 vaccine mandates and the Food and Drug Administrations emergency use authorization of a smaller dose of Pfizers coronavirus vaccine for kids to an influx of public service announcements about scheduling your annual flu shot, vaccines are getting lots of airtime lately. It can be tempting to kill several birds with one stone , but whats the ideal COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine spacing per the CDC?
Whether youre fully vaccinated and looking at the prospect of a booster shot coinciding with your flu jab or youre getting the COVID-19 vaccine for the first time, heres what you need to know.
Complications Of Meningococcal Disease
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Meningococcal infections can progress rapidly to serious disease or death in previously healthy people. The overall mortality risk for IMD is high , even if the person receives appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Around one-third of children and adolescents who survive IMD develop permanent sequelae. These can include:84
- limb deformity
- deafness
- neurologic deficits
Around 3040% of people who survive IMD have long-term consequences or disabilities. Patients and caregivers can also have psychological symptoms due to these sequelae.92-94
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What Happens After The Immunization
Your child might have a fever, soreness, and some swelling and redness at the injection area. Check with your doctor to see if you can give either acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain or fever and to find out the right dose.
A warm, damp cloth or a heating pad on the injection site may help reduce soreness, as can moving or using the arm.
Interchangeability Of Meningococcal Vaccines
MenACWY vaccines
If possible, complete the primary course of MenACWY vaccination with the same vaccine brand. If this is not possible, use an alternative brand following the dose recommendations by age. See Recommended dose schedules.
People can receive booster doses of MenACWY vaccine using any brand. Menveo or Nimenrix are preferred to Menactra in people aged 2 years.
MenB vaccines
Bexsero and Trumenba are not interchangeable. Use the same vaccine to complete the vaccination course.
The only absolute contraindications to meningococcal vaccines are:
- anaphylaxis after a previous dose of any meningococcal vaccine
- anaphylaxis after any component of a meningococcal vaccine
Previous meningococcal disease, regardless of the serogroup, is not a contraindication to receiving any meningococcal vaccine.
Previous vaccination with the strain-specific MenB vaccine used in New Zealand is not a contraindication to receiving either Bexsero or Trumenba.
Previous vaccination with a quadrivalent polysaccharide meningococcal vaccine is not a contraindication to receiving any MenACWY vaccine. See People who have previously received a meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine in Laboratory workers or Travellers.
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Is The Vaccine Safe
The meningococcal ACWY vaccine is a safe and effective way to help protect young people from meningococcal disease. Meningococcal ACWY vaccination programs have been in place for adolescents in the UK since 2015 and in the US since 2005.
A single dose of meningococcal ACWY vaccine is very effective in providing protection against four types of meningococcal disease, A, C, W & Y.
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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Simultaneous Administration With Other Vaccines
Men-C-C and 4CMenB vaccine may be administered concomitantly with routine childhood vaccines, and Men-C-ACYW vaccine may be administered concomitantly with adolescent and adult age appropriate vaccines. MenB-fHBP can be given concomitantly with quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine meningococcal serogroup A, C, Y, W conjugate vaccine and tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine adsorbed. The concomitant administration of MenB-fHBP has not been studied with other vaccines.
Men-C-ACYW-CRM can be administered with routine paediatric vaccines however, further studies are needed with regard to concomitant administration with pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine. Co-administration of Men-C-ACYW-CRM and combined tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine may result in a lower immune response to the pertussis antigens than when Tdap vaccine is given alone however, the clinical significance of this is unknown. Tdap vaccine given one month after Men-C-ACYW-CRM induces the strongest immunologic response to pertussis antigens.
If vaccines are to be administered concomitantly with another vaccine, a separate injection site and a different syringe must be used for each injection.
Refer to Timing of Vaccine Administration in Part 1 for additional general information.
Why Teenagers And Students Should Have The Menacwy Vaccine
Meningococcal disease is a rare but life-threatening disease caused by meningococcal bacteria.
Older teenagers and new university students are at higher risk of infection because many of them mix closely with lots of new people, some of whom may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria at the back of their nose and throat.
Anyone who is eligible for the MenACWY vaccine should have it, even if they have previously had the MenC vaccine.
The MenACWY vaccine is highly effective in preventing illness caused by the 4 meningococcal strains, including the extremely harmful MenW strain.
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Iv6 Simultaneous Administration With Other Vaccines
Men-C-ACYW-TT vaccine has been given simultaneously with a 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, hexavalent infant vaccine, MMRV vaccine, seasonal influenza vaccine, and combined hepatitis A and B vaccine.
In a study by Ruiz-Palacios et al.Footnote 21 infants aged 12 to 23 months received Men-C-CYW-TT and Pneu-C-10. A comparable immunogenicity was demonstrated when these products were co-administered except for a reduced response for pneumococcal serotype 18C which is conjugated to TT. This may suggest potential interference requiring further research. Pneu-C-10 is licensed for use in Canada, but at this time all provinces and territories are using Pneu-C-13.
Knuf et al Footnote 22 investigated the use of Men-C-ACYW-TT co-administered with DTaP-HBV-IPV/Hib with additional arms of the study which include participants who received both vaccines with 1 month separating each shot as well as a control group that only received Men-C-CRM197. The study reported a similar safety profile and immune response measured by rSBA titres for separate and concomitant administration of Men-C-ACYW-TT with DTaP-HBV-IPV/Hib. However, rSBA GMTs for serogroups A, C and W-135 were significantly lower in the group that received Men-C-ACYW-TT 1 month after DTaP-HBV-IPV/Hib compared with the group that received Men-C-ACYW-TT first. However, this finding is likely to be of limited clinical significance since more than 97.3% of these individuals achieved rSBA titres 1:8.
What Protection Does The Vaccine Give

The vaccine boosts protection against MenC disease . It also protects against MenA, MenW and MenY meningococcal disease. One dose of the vaccine offers very good protection. It has been used for many years as a travel vaccine and has an excellent safety profile.
The main aim of giving this vaccine is to protect young people against four different types of meningococcal disease. 15-19 year olds are more at risk from meningococcal disease than any other age group except the under 5s. However, it is expected that vaccinating this age group will also offer herd protection against MenW and MenC disease for the rest of the population, including infants. This is because teenagers and young adults are the main carriers of meningococcal bacteria, which are carried at the back of the nose and throat. People who are immunised can no longer carry the bacteria and pass them on to others in the population.
A high proportion of young people need to be vaccinated to achieve herd protection. In October 2018 the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation issued a statement about meningococcal vaccination . This outlined the importance of improving vaccine uptake in 18-25 year olds who have so far missed out on MenACWY vaccination.
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Cdc Does Not Routinely Recommend A Menb Vaccine For All Teens And Young Adults However All Teens May Get Vaccinated Preferably At 16 To 18 Years Old
Serogroup B meningococcal disease is relatively rare. Outbreaks have occurred at several U.S. colleges during the past decade. CDCs current recommendation gives people access to MenB vaccines to help prevent this uncommon, but serious illness. However, doctors and parents should discuss the risk of the disease and weigh the risks and benefits of vaccination. Available data suggest these vaccines are safe and provide protection, but that protection decreases fairly quickly after vaccination.
Menacwy Vaccines Are Safe However As With Any Vaccine Side Effects Can Occur
About half of the people who get a MenACWY vaccine have mild problems following vaccination, such as:
- Redness where the shot was given
- Soreness where the shot was given
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Feeling tired
If they occur, these reactions usually get better on their own within 1 to 2 days. Serious reactions are possible, but rare.
CDC continually monitors the safety of all vaccines, including MenACWY vaccines. For more information, view the Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine Information Statement.
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Meningococcal Disease Changed Sebs Life Forever But It Doesnt Have To Change Your Child’s
Seb was 22 when he was struck down by meningococcal disease. He lost his right leg, left foot, and eight fingers. Seb contracted meningococcal W, a strain of the disease students in year 10 can now be vaccinated against.
It happened two years ago now, it was just like any other day.
I went for my morning run but then around lunch time I started feeling really ill.
As the day went on, bruises started appearing on my back.
I had trouble standing up, so I was rushed to hospital.
It turned out to be meningococcal disease.
I was in a coma on life support for ten days. I spent another 186 days in hospital after that.
I lost my right leg, left foot, and Ive only got two functioning fingers.
I also had complete organ failure with my kidneys.
I contracted meningococcal W, a strain of the disease I didnt know I could be vaccinated against.
Its been tough for mum and dad too. They obviously feel strongly about young people being vaccinated after seeing what I went through.
And its the only way to protect your kids.
I still have my moments, but Im trying to get my life back on track.
Im living on the coast, going through rehab, and Im slowly getting back into being a barber.
To parents I would say, dont think it cant happen to your kids.
To help protect your child, sign and return the consent form so they can receive their free meningococcal ACWY vaccine. It could save their life.
Get Your Free Menacwy Vaccine
Meningitis is a life-threatening disease that can affect anyone, but young people and students are at particularly high risk. A free MenACWY vaccine is available to first year students up to the age of 25 through their GP. This vaccine and knowing the symptoms of meningitis is the best protection against this devastating disease, which can resemble the flu or a hangover and so is often ignored until its too late.
The symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, stomach cramps and fever with cold hands and feet. Other symptoms include drowsiness, pale, blotchy skin, dislike of bright lights and a rash that doesnt fade under pressure.
Students in shared accommodation and those travelling and at festivals are particularly vulnerable, and so Meningitis Now is calling on all eligible young people to get vaccinated before heading off to uni or as early as possible once registered with their new university GP.
For more information visit www.meningitisnow.org/students
Check it, dont chance it. It could save your life.
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Improving How Vaccines Are Offered In Scotland
To improve how vaccinations are offered to you or your child, you may notice:
- you’re invited to a new location to receive your immunisations instead of your GP practice
- the health professional giving your immunisations changes
You’ll still receive clear information about the location, date and time of your appointment.
Why Do I Need To Get The Vaccine
You’ve a higher risk of getting meningococcal disease because of your age. You need to get immunised to protect yourself as well as to protect others around you.
You may have previously had a MenC vaccine to protect you against meningococcal C infection, but this won’t protect you against MenW. Having the MenACWY vaccine after getting the MenC vaccine won’t only give you better protection against MenC infection, but will also protect you against the other 3 meningococcal groups .
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Many Colleges Require Proof Of Menacwy Vaccination Within 5 Years Before Starting School
Regardless of school requirements, CDC recommends a booster dose for all teens who received the first dose before their 16th birthday. The booster dose provides the best protection during the ages when teens are at highest risk. Teens who receive their first MenACWY vaccine dose at or after age 16 years do not need a booster dose.
Guidance On Reporting Adverse Events Following Immunization

To ensure the ongoing safety of vaccines in Canada, reporting of AEFIs by vaccine providers and other clinicians is critical, and in some jurisdictions, reporting is mandatory under the law.
Vaccine providers are asked to report AEFIs, through local public health officials, and to check for specific AEFI reporting requirements in their province or territory. In general, any serious or unexpected adverse event felt to be temporally related to vaccination should be reported.
For additional information about AEFI reporting, please refer to Adverse events following immunization. For general vaccine safety information, refer to Vaccine safety and pharmacovigilance in Part 2.
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How Do Meningococcal Bacteria Spread
Meningococcal disease is caused by 13 different groups of meningococcal bacteria.
In the UK, the disease is almost always caused by 1 of 4 meningococcal groups commonly known as MenB, MenC, MenW or MenY. These can be prevented with vaccination.
MenA disease is rare in the UK, but it’s more common in other parts of the world. It can also be prevented by vaccination.
The meningococcal bacteria live in the back of the nose and throat in about 1 in 10 people without causing any symptoms or illness.
Older teenagers are most likely to carry and spread the meningococcal bacteria.
The bacteria are spread from person to person by prolonged close contact such as coughing, kissing or sneezing with someone who is carrying the bacteria.
Very occasionally, the meningococcal bacteria can cause serious illness, including meningitis and septicaemia, which can rapidly lead to sepsis.
Meningococcal infections can happen at any age, but babies, young children and teenagers are especially vulnerable.
What Is Meningococcal Acwy & How Do You Catch It
Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria and can result in meningitis, an infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord . It’s most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults, but can affect anyone and can be serious if not diagnosed and treated quickly. It can also cause septicaemia and permanent brain or nerve damage. The bacteria are spread from person to person by close contact over a prolonged period of time. This can include kissing, coughing, sneezing, or sharing utensils with a person carrying the bacteria.
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What Is The Menacwy Vaccine
The MenACWY vaccine helps to protect against disease caused by four of the main groups of meningococcal bacteria – A, C, W and Y.
Meningococcal group W has historically been rare in the UK but since 2009 cases have increased. A particularly aggressive strain of MenW is causing disease in all age groups but there has been significant increase in university students.
The MenACWY vaccine was introduced across the UK in August 2015 in response to the rise in MenW cases. The MenACWY vaccine also provides a MenC booster.
Remember, no vaccine will offer complete protection from meningitis. Remaining vigilant is vital.