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Meningococcal meningitis is caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, which holds the potential to cause large epidemics. It can be transmitted from person-to-person through respiratory droplets.
Meningococcal meningitis can be prevented by timely vaccination.
If you miss out the dose of these vaccinations during the stipulated time, you can consult with your doctor for a Catch-up Vaccination.
Talk to your doctor about the Meningococcal Vaccination.
While meningitis can be caused by various organisms such as bacteria, fungi, or virus of several kinds, meningococcal meningitis is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. Also known as meningococci, the bacteria may cause sepsis, pneumonia, arthritis, myocarditis, and other such conditions, apart from meningitis. If left untreated, it can cause severe brain damage and prove fatal.
The bacteria is primarily transmitted through person-to-person contact. Droplets of respiratory or throat secretions from a carrier can cause infection, usually through close or prolonged contact. Living in closed quarters, smoking, kissing, sneezing or coughing close to someone can lead to transmission. The risk of transmission increases in mass gatherings.
Meningococcal meningitis primarily affects the lining of the brain and the spinal cord and causes swelling. However, the symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the infection. Some of the common symptoms include:
One of the more severe forms of infection is meningococcal septicemia. This can show up as a dark purple rash and a rapid circulatory collapse, often proving fatal.
Complications:
Even with early diagnosis, about 8% to 15% of the patients may not survive the first 24 to 48 hours of the infection.
1 in 5 survivors can develop complications such as deafness, problems with the nervous system, brain damage.
As per Indian Academy of Pediatrics, (2020-21), meningococcal vaccination is recommended for a high-risk group of individuals.
*#Please note, Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccines from different manufacturers have different approvals for ages and dosage. Please consult your paediatrician for more information.
Commonly known side effects after Meningococcal vaccination include:
For more details on side effects, please consult your doctor.
Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination is an effective way to protect your child against meningococcal meningitis.
There are different vaccines for different types of meningococcal disease. Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine is the one available in India. It helps protect against four major types of meningococcal disease.
Meningococcal disease can infect anyone of any age. However, it has been observed often in children who are five years and below, immunocompromised individuals, adolescents and young adults.
A public awareness initiative by GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited. Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 030, India.
Information appearing in this material is for general awareness only. Nothing contained in this material constitutes medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any medical queries, any question or concern you may have regarding your condition. The disease list indicated for vaccination is not complete, please consult your child’s Paediatrician for the complete vaccination schedule. The doctor shown in this material is being used for illustrative purpose only and is a professional model. The disease representation icons/images and animation are for illustrative purpose only.
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*According to [country recommendation source]
