How important is meningitis vaccination for children?

Children and adolescents are at high risk of contracting meningitis or what is often called inflammation of the lining of the brain. One of the effective ways to prevent transmission of this disease is by means of a meningitis vaccine. So, how important is the meningitis vaccination for children? When is the right time to give this vaccination?

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord which can be caused by viruses or bacteria such as Haemophylus influeza type B (HiB), pneumonia and so on.

In adults, the typical symptom of meningitis is a severe headache that doesn't get better accompanied by neck pain. While in children the symptoms include high fever to chills, yellowish color on the skin, stiff body and neck of the child, fussiness and even frequent crying with high screams, decreased appetite, looking weak and less responsive.

The diagnosis of meningitis in children is difficult because the symptoms often appear suddenly and are similar to other diseases. So, immediately consult a doctor if you suspect any of the symptoms of this infection.

Meningitis vaccination is the best way to prevent meningitis

Compared to other diseases, meningitis is a rare disease. Even so, this disease can cause serious infections in the brain, spinal cord and blood of sufferers. Protection from infection is very important. Otherwise, the infection can quickly become very dangerous, it can even be deadly in just a few hours.

Children and adolescents aged 16 to 23 years are at higher risk for contracting the disease. That is why, the Centers for Diease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adolescents aged 11 to 12 years to get vaccinated for meningitis and then get additional vaccinations (booster) at the age of 16. However, additional vaccinations this is not necessary if the first-stage meningitis vaccine is not given until the child is 16 years old.

According to the CDC, vaccination 98 percent can protect children from most types of meningitis.

In certain situations, meningitis vaccination is also recommended for infants and children who are at high risk of this infection because:

Having an immune system disease, such as HIV
Have a damaged spleen or do not have a spleen
Live in an area with an outbreak of meningitis
Take a trip to an area where meningitis is endemic
Having certain rare types of disorders (complement component deficiency).
Currently taking the drug Soliris.
Have had meningitis before

In these cases, the doctor will administer meningitis vaccinations to children over two months to 10 years of age. In children less than two months of age this vaccination is not suitable.

In Indonesia, the meningitis vaccine is not included in the list of 5 mandatory immunizations for children. The reason is, one of the mandatory immunizations can provide protection for children from the Haemophylus influeza type B (HiB) bacteria, which is one of the causes of meningitis.

However, your little one can still get the meningitis vaccine as an additional immunization. Therefore, consult a doctor before vaccinating children with meningitis.

Not all children should be vaccinated against meningitis

As explained above, children younger than two months generally should not be vaccinated against meningitis because this vaccine is not suitable for them. In addition, there are several conditions that prevent children from getting vaccinated against meningitis, including:

Your child has a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction to the components of the meningitis vaccine or to one of the other components of the vaccine.
Your child is not fit or has a weak immune system. Your child can only be vaccinated if their health condition has improved or is recovering from their illness.
Have had Guillain-Barre syndrome.