Why meningitis shot

Side effects are usually mild and may include:. Even though serious allergic reactions are rare with these medicines, call your doctor or local health unit right away if you or your child has trouble breathing, a high fever, or anything unusual after having the shot. Tell your doctor or public health nurse if your child has had a severe reaction to any vaccine or has severe allergies. See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects.

Drug Reference is not available in all systems. The menigococcal vaccine can be given at the same time as other routine childhood vaccinations. No evidence has shown that Canadian university students who live in dormitories or residence halls are at higher risk of getting meningococcal disease. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn How this information was developed. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. All rights reserved. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. British Columbia Specific Information Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective lining around the brain and spinal cord.

Top of the page. How It Works Meningococcal vaccine is given to protect people from becoming infected with bacteria that cause meningitis. Why It Is Used Meningitis is an infection of the fluid that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord.

The meningitis vaccine is given in several doses spaced over several weeks. A dose given at ages 12 to 23 months is recommended for all children. Vaccination may be recommended for children up to 11 years of age if they did not get the vaccine as a baby. Adolescents and young adults ages 12 to 24 years A booster dose is recommended between the ages of 12 to 24 years, even if they received a meningococcal vaccine as an infant.

The best place to go for vaccinations is your family medical clinic. Either your doctor or a nurse can give the vaccination. Phone them first to make sure they can help you with the vaccination you need. You can find a clinic near you on the Healthpoint website. You can choose to pay for vaccines that you are not eligible to receive for free. Looking for Where to get medical help A health professional or service Patient portals Newsletters View all.

Meningococcal vaccine Print A A A. Pain, swelling, or redness around the injection site hard and sore to touch Heavy arm.

This is quite common after having the vaccination. It usually starts a few hours after getting the injection and settles within a few days. Place a cold, wet cloth or ice pack where the injection was given.

Leave it on for a short time. Do not rub the injection site. Tell your doctor if it is troublesome. The routine use of paracetamol is not recommended following vaccinations, but may be used if your child is miserable or distressed. But in children aged under 2 years who receive Bexsero, the routine use of paracetamol is recommended. Read more: Paracetamol use with Bexsero Read more: After your immunisation. It is quite common for the first 1 or 2 days after receiving the injection and usually settles within a few days.

Dress lightly, with a single layer of clothing. Keep the room cool, use a fan. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Vaccine Shot for Meningococcal Disease. Minus Related Pages. Prepare for your child's vaccine visit and learn about how you can: Research vaccines and ready your child before the visit Comfort your child during the appointment Care for your child after the shot Before, During, and After Shots.

Follow the vaccine schedule The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Family Physicians, and American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend children receive all vaccines according to the recommended vaccine schedule. Get a list of vaccines that your child may need based on age, health conditions, and other factors. Learn the reasons you should follow the vaccine schedule. Meningococcal Vaccines for Preteen and Teens.

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