Meningitis Vaccines for Children and Teens Meningococcal disease can become dangerous, and teens are at higher risk contracting it, as they are more prone to bacterial meningitis. This is a hazardous inflammation of the spinal cord as well as the brain’s lining. There are two kinds of meningitis vaccines that protect against four types of meningococcal disease. Although the infections do not occur often, but when they do, can be very dangerous. This is a kind of illness caused by neisseria meningitidis bacteria. This disease can spread from person to person through saliva, coughing and kissing. Young adults and teens are at higher risk for the disease. To protect teens, meningococcal vaccine is the most effective form of treatment. Reasons Teens Need a Meningococcal Vaccines One-third of the people who get meningococcal disease each year are young adults and teens. 155 out of which, die while receiving antibiotic treatment and about 20% of them will suffer from permanent side effects like brain damage or hearing loss. Immunization plays a crucial role in the prevention of this serious disease. Symptoms can include a very stiff neck, light sensitivity, nausea, high fever, headache, and exhaustion. The person may develop serious illness as early symptoms can be mistaken for influenza. Who needs a meningococcal vaccine? ● Children from age 11-18 and some younger high-risk children ● Those children or young adults who have been exposed to the outbreak of meningitis ● Children travelling or living where meningitis is common ● People with missing or damaged spleen, or certain immune system disorders ● Military recruits Side Effects Just like any other vaccines, meningococcal shots can cause a few mild side effects, such as soreness and redness where the shot was given. Both vaccines doses are given at the same time, but in different arms. Some children and young adults sometimes faint after getting meningococcal shots or vaccines. In order to avoid fainting, they should either lie down or sit when getting the shot, or lie for about 15 minutes after receiving the injection.
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