How Effective Meningitis Vaccine Is

The meningitis vaccine is identical to the vaccine given to pilgrims who are going to go on a pilgrimage or go on a pilgrimage. In fact, meningitis vaccination is important for everyone to minimize the risk of meningitis, which can be transmitted through sneezing, coughing, or kissing with people infected with the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. Meningitis is inflammation of the lining of the brain and spine caused by viral or bacterial infections. To minimize viral or bacterial infections that cause meningitis, meningitis vaccine needs to be done. Moreover, if you are in the age range of 16-23 years. Because, this age is the age most at risk for meningitis.

What is the meningitis vaccine?

Meningitis vaccine contains antigens, which are substances that stimulate the immune system to form antibodies and fight the bacteria that cause meningitis. The first meningococcal vaccine, MPSV4 (Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine), was created in 1978. Then MCV4 (Meningococcal conjugate vaccine) in 2005. MPSV4 is also called the polysaccharide meningococcal vaccine, while the MCV4 is called the conjugate meningococcal vaccine. Both protect against four types of meningococcal disease caused by serogroup A, C, W, and Y. In fact, there are currently at least 13 known Neogeria meningitidis serogroups.

When and who needs to get the meningitis vaccine?

MCV4 vaccine is recommended for children aged 11 - 12 years, who will be added (booster) around the age of 16-18 years. Teenagers who are vaccinated for the first time at the age of 13-15 also need to get a vaccine booster when entering the age of 16-18 years. A person first vaccinated at age 16 and above no longer needs a booster. A booster is needed because a vaccine is estimated to only protect teens for at least 5 years. The MCV4 vaccine is also highly recommended for the following groups:

• Muslims who will go on Hajj or Umrah.
• People who will travel or live in an endemic country.
• People who live in dorms.
• People with splenic disorders or who have undergone the removal of the spleen.
• People who experience immune system disorders.
• Children aged 2 months to 10 years are at risk of developing meningitis.
• People who have recently been exposed to meningitis.
• Microbiologists who examine the Meningococcus bacteria every day.

Meanwhile, the polysaccharide meningococcal vaccine (MPSV4) is recommended for:

• People over 55 years old will travel or live in an endemic country.
• People over 55 years of age and are in the population with an increased risk of meningococcal infection serogroup A, C, W or Y.

Will people who have been vaccinated definitely avoid meningitis?

Vaccine can reduce the risk of meningitis. In addition to the meningococcal vaccine, the Hib vaccine is also effective in preventing other causes of meningitis. However, that does not mean that people who have been vaccinated at all can not get meningitis.

Does the meningitis vaccine have side effects?

About 50% of people who get the meningitis vaccine experience side effects of mild pain or redness at the location where the injection was given. While some others have a fever. This condition will generally disappear within 1-2 days, so there is no need to worry too much. Another side effect is fainting. Sitting or lying down for at least 15 minutes after meningitis injection can help reduce the risk of side effects. Like other vaccines, the meningitis vaccine can also cause allergic reactions, within minutes or hours after receiving the injection. Allergies can be characterized by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, pale, weakness, itching, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat. If this happens, immediately go to the hospital to get treatment.

Is there anyone who shouldn't get the meningitis vaccine?

There are several groups that need to wait or even avoid the meningitis vaccine because it can have a serious impact, including:

• People who have suffered severe allergies to be life threatening after getting the MCV4 or MPSV4 meningitis vaccine, or other vaccines.
• People who are sick should postpone the meningitis vaccine injection until their condition is really healthy.
• For those who are or have experienced Guillain-Barre syndrome, it is advisable to consult with your doctor before vaccinating meningitis.

Giving meningitis vaccine to pregnant women can be done if it is needed. However, it is necessary to consult with a gynecologist in order to avoid side effects on the mother or fetus. Meningitis vaccine is not yet included in the list of mandatory vaccines for children in Indonesia. However, given the importance and risk of disease that may be experienced, it is better to give the meningitis vaccine priority in children and be given on time. Please contact a doctor to find out more information about vaccine recommendations and services for children, as well as adults.